Sharing the Responsibility: Reports of Archdiocesan Departments

Transcription

Sharing the
Responsibility
Reports of Archdiocesan Departments
2001 - 2011
Sharing the Responsibility
REPORTS OF ARCHDIOCESAN DEPARTMENTS
2001 - 2011
IN GRATITUDE
In Sharing the Responsibility, members of the
Archdiocesan Administrative Board give an account of
their stewardship to the Most Rev Edward J Gilbert CSsR,
Ninth Archbishop of Port of Spain, 2001 – 2011.
It is the hope of the Synod Implementation Team, who
commissioned this volume that Sharing the Responsibility
becomes, for all who work in the Archdiocese, a useful
reference point and tool to advance the process of
“building a civilisation of love”.
December 2011
Photos courtesy
Desmond Durham
and Raymond Syms
CONTENTS
Emmaus Creed
ii
SECTION I
ARCHDIOCESAN FAMILY LIFE COMMISSION
2
Reflecting the Kingdom of God
EVANGELISATION COMMISSION 7
In the Light of Faith
CATHOLIC YOUTH COMMISSION
13
Encounter, Formation and Mission
PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES
17
Spreading the Good News
SECTION II
ARCHDIOCESAN CATECHETICAL OFFICE
20
Empowering The Faithful
CATHOLIC EDUCATION BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
34
To Ensure Excellence
COMMISSION FOR RELIGIOUS
45
United in Prayer to Serve Others
SECTION III
CATHOLIC COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
50
Promoting the Common Good
CATHOLIC MEDIA SERVICES (Camsel) 58
A New Beginning in Communications
CHANCELLOR’S DEPARTMENT
64
Taking Charge
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
66
Support for the People of God
ARCHDIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL
70
Voice of the Laity
Emmaus Creed
We believe that we can build a Civilisation of Love.
We believe that we can experience reconciliation with:
1. God
2. Neighbour
3. Creation
4. Self
We believe in the New Evangelisation.
We believe that we can Revitalise Catholic Culture and
Identity.
We believe that we can Regenerate the Moral and Spiritual
Values in our Antillean society, here in Trinidad and Tobago.
This is our desire. This is the determination of our Assembly, of
the men and women: clergy, religious and lay people, committed
to the mandate of Synod 2009.
We commit ourselves to living what we believe as a testimony
of our relationship with the God who calls us to be part of the
New Civilisation of Love.
Emmaus Retreat Centre
17 – 18 February 2009
ii
2001 - 2011
SECTION I
Archdiocesan Family Life
Commission
Evangelisation Commission
Catholic Youth Commission
Pontifical Mission Societies
‘The Church has the great task
of guarding and nourishing the
faith of the People of God, and
reminding the faithful … that,
by virtue of their Baptism, they
are called to be disciples and
missionaries of Jesus Christ.
This implies following him,
living in intimacy with him,
imitating his example and
bearing witness’ (Pope Benedict
XVI, Aparecida, May 2007).
2001 - 2011
ARCHDIOCESAN FAMILY
LIFE COMMISSION
Reflecting the Kingdom of God
Vision Statement:
November: Families everywhere becoming life-giving communities
where each member can realise
The Marriage Convention was held at the Emmaus Centre
in conjunction with the Marriage Encounter Movement.
his/her full potential for holiness and wholeness as God’s
child reflecting the kingdom of God.
Mission Statement:
To proclaim to all people the plan of God for marriage
and family life and thus promote the renewal of family,
Church and Nation.
Msgr Robert Llanos’ appointment as Episcopal Vicar,
Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC)
became effective in 2005. The list of achievements/
accomplishments achieved by the AFLC during the period
2005-2011 is as follows:
2005
26 July:
Feast of Sts. Joachim & Anne - Five main parishes, in
each vicariate and one in Tobago were asked to be the
main parishes for celebrating the feast. This approach was
taken for five consecutive years.
2006
6 & 13 May:
FLU (Family Life Unit) Training - Parishes throughout
the Archdiocese were invited to two days of training on
establishing a Family Life Unit in the parish, to meet the
needs of the parishes. Training was held at the Western
Hall, Centre Pointe Mall, Chaguanas. Some 37 parishes
have established their FLUs and have successfully
continued to offer programmes in their parishes.
16 September – 16 December:
Training of Peer Counsellors – 1st Batch – The AFLC
felt there was a need to have trained counsellors to meet
the needs of hurting families and as a result requested
parishes to nominate persons who would be interested
in being trained in Marriage and Family Life Peer
Counselling. Training was divided into two phases theory and skills. Over 40 persons completed the training
with representatives from all the vicariates.
2007
10 November: 18 & 19 August: The Sale of Advent Wreaths for the Advent Season was
undertaken by the AFLC for the purpose of promoting
sound Advent Family Liturgy at home as well as a means
to raise funds. This venture was repeated in subsequent
years, 2008 and 2009. In 2008, a full Advent booklet was
compiled and published by Msgr. Robert Llanos for the
diocese.
Bereavement Workshop - The AFLC implemented a
bereavement counselling training workshop in conjunction
with Ingrid Seunarine, Director of Bereavement Services
(Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens in New York) at St.
Benedict’s Parish Hall, La Romaine. The workshop was a
success with approximately 135 participants.
22 -24 August: Post SEA Training – Abstinence Programme: The
Post SEA Values & Virtues Formation Programme is an
Abstinence-Before-Marriage Intervention, which was
implemented for our 120 Catholic Primary Schools, in
Post-SEA classes from March – July 2008. The AFLC,
in conjunction with the Catholic Commission for Social
Justice (CCSJ) and the Catechetical Commission, as a joint
Committee held the first Teachers’ Training Workshop
at Presentation College, Chaguanas. Some 22 Catholic
primary schools are now equipped with certified members
of staff who can instil more effectively in their students,
the values and life skills they will need to survive in their
secondary schools and home environments.
2008
3 - 5 January:
Post SEA 2nd Training Workshop – The AFLC,
in conjunction with the CCSJ and the Catechetical
Commission, held the second Teachers’Training Workshop
at the Catholic Centre, Chaguanas. This workshop was
conducted with a revised version to the manual.
5 April - 21 June:
Training of Peer Counsellors – 2nd Batch - This was the
second batch of training of peer counsellors. A total of 50
persons completed the training at the Chaguanas Catholic
Centre.
26 September: Post SEA Media Launch – In collaboration with Catholic
Religious Development Institute (CREDI), Catholic
Education Board of Management (CEBM), and the CCSJ,
the following were launched:
•
Revitalisation of Catholic Schools
•
Post SEA Value & Virtues Formation Programme
•
CREDI
6 - 7 December:
Theology of the Body: Created & Redeemed with
Christopher West - In light of AFLC’s mandate to
develop, promote and coordinate Marriage and Family
Life Programmes, for the first time ever, the AFLC hosted
a Theology of the Body Conference, entitled Created and
Redeemed. The feature speaker, Christopher West shared
an eight-part young adult and adult formation programme
based on the Theology of the Body (TOB). The conference
was held at the Chaguaramas Hotel Convention Centre
and was attended by approximately 1,200 participants.
10 October - 5 November: Vicariate Meetings – Over the course of the month, the
AFLC held vicariate meetings for the purpose of selecting
vicariate coordinators as well as to receive feedback
regarding their FLU status and concerns. Generally there
was a reasonable response as 34 parishes were represented
out of 59 throughout the Archdiocese.
2009
9 August:
LAUNCH of “Pathways in Marriage” Programme
– ‘Pathways in Marriage’ is a marriage enrichment
programme based on the philosophies presented in the
book ‘Passages of Marriage’, written by married couples
who are psychologists. The AFLC launched this new
marriage programme at Fatima RC Parish Hall, Curepe,
where some 30 couples attended. The programme is
a reflection of the five ‘passages’ in marriage. Each
“passage” consists of a set of tasks that lead to growth
and vitality.
17 - 29 August:
TOB Training with Richard Kramer – As a follow up to
the Created & Redeemed Conference in December 2008,
the New Evangelisation Department – comprising the
AFLC, Youth and Evangelisation Commissions – hosted
two weeks of Train the Trainer Training on John Paul II’s
‘Theology of The Body’ at the Fatima RC Parish Hall,
Richard Kramer from the Catholic University of America
facilitated the training of a total of 55 participants. A
session was offered to the public on August 29, where
approximately 100 persons attended.
17-19 October: Billings Ovulation Method Three-Day Teacher Training
Conference – A three-day teacher training conference on
the Billings Ovulation method was held at the Emmanuel
Community Centre, Woodbrook. World Organisation
Ovulation Method Billings (WOOMB) teachers/directors
Marie Marshell and Marian Corkill were the presenters.
Some 43 persons completed the conference. Among the
participants, were 21 trainee teachers who were engaged in
the correspondence course offered by WOOMB Australia.
Open Information Sessions have continued throughout the
vicariates and “Is Love Forever” talks were conducted for
Form 5 and 6 students in secondary schools.
9-30 November:
Pathways in Marriage, Stage 1 (Suburban Vicariate
– The Suburban Vicariate was the first vicariate where the
programme was conducted over four consecutive weeks.
This programme welcomed all married couples. The
programme was held at Curepe, Fatima Parish Hall, with
50 couples participating.
November:
Sale of Advent Wreaths and Booklets – This was the
final year for this venture by the AFLC.
2001 - 2011
2010
January – June:
The New Evangelisation Department - As a result
of Synod 2009, the first pastoral priority fell under the
responsibility of the New Evangelisation Department,
which was created as a cluster consisting of the following
bodies: AFLC, Youth Commission, Evangelisation
Commission, CEBM, Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS),
CREDI, and Catholic Media Services Limited (Camsel).
A booklet was produced and published for the first priority
entitled “Catholic Family Become What You Are!” by
Msgr Robert Llanos. These booklets were distributed
throughout the Archdiocese.
January - July:
Pathways in Marriage, Stage 1 – The programme
was conducted over four consecutive weeks (Northern
and Central Vicariates) and one weekend (Southern and
Eastern Vicariates) to married couples. Stage 1 of the
programme has been completed in all the vicariates.
26 March:
Lenten Day of Prayer – AFLC produced the programme
for a Lenten day of prayer, which was printed in the
Catholic News for use in schools, homes and parishes.
5 July:
Parenting Programme Media Launch - The AFLC
through the sponsorship of Republic Bank, launched its
Parenting Programme at the Assumption Parish Hall,
Maraval. Approximately 50 persons attended.
12-18 July:
The Parenting Programme: Module II - Common
Sense Parenting: Training of Trainers Group 1 - The
first batch of trainers under Module II – Common Sense
Parenting was held at the Chaguanas Catholic Centre
where 19 trainers were trained. This was the first training
of trainers. There would be several train the trainer
programmes over the next two years.
July - August:
9-10 April:
Sense Parenting: Training of Trainers Groups 2 & 3
TOB Created & Redeemed Weekend 2 - This was the
second Train the Trainer weekend. Msgr. Jason Gordon
facilitated.
31 August:
AFLC First Family Fun Sports Day – In keeping with the
Synod’s priority and theme for the year, “Catholic Family
Become What You Are”, the AFLC in collaboration with
the Evangelisation and the Youth Commissions hosted its
first family fun sports day on the grounds of Presentation
College, Chaguanas. Over 1200 people representing all
vicariates of the Archdiocese enjoyed a day full of family
and kids’ activities, fun and food.
October – December:
2011
February:
February – March:
Implementation of “A Listening Heart Services”
Programme – Six areas were identified as central areas
for counselling facilities, which have all been confirmed
except the Eastern Vicariate.
19 - 20 March:
TOB Created & Redeemed Weekend 1 - This was a
Train the Trainer weekend using Christopher West TOB
Created & Redeemed DVDs. Some 30 persons attended
the weekend, facilitated by Susan Henry. Purpose of the
weekend was to familiarise participants with the TOB
material from West to empower them to teach this material
in the Parish and group setting.
29 April:
VIRTUS Programme: “Protecting God’s Children”
– The Archdiocese of Port of Spain launched a series of
workshops facilitated by the AFLC and the CCSJ. These
workshops were awareness sessions to facilitate greater
protection for the nation’s children from abuse of all kinds.
It has been targeted to all persons who work with children
at Catholic institutions. The first workshop was held for
all priests at Curepe, Fatima Parish Hall. Future sessions
will allow principals, teachers, catechists, volunteers and
all persons who interact with children to participate in
the VIRTUS programme, “Protecting God’s Children”.
Dr. Dexter and Mrs. Freida Shim along with Ms. Leela
Ramdeen, facilitated the programme.
18-29 July:
TOB Training with Richard Kramer – The AFLC hosted
a second Train the Trainer programme for two weeks at
The Seminary of St John Vianney & the Uganda Martyrs,
Mt. St. Benedict with Richard Kramer. Purpose of this
training was to train a group of persons with a greater
understanding, knowledge and appreciation for Blessed
John Paul II’s, Theology of the Body teachings so as to
continue to promote the Theology of the Body throughout
the Archdiocese as the future of the Church.
A number of fundraising activities was held to continue
the work of the AFLC.
Other Activities Planned for 2011
1. Implementation of a new Marriage Preparation
Programme
2. Implementation of Parenting & Family Life Module I
throughout the Archdiocese
3. VIRTUS Programme: In collaboration with the
CCSJ, the “Protecting God’s Children” Awareness
Sessions
4. Pathways in Marriage – Stage II in all vicariates.
5. CSP Train the Trainer Workshops
6. CSP Graduation for Trainers
7. “A Listening Heart Services” re: peer counselling in
the five vicariates.
The new Vicar’s vision for the AFLC in 2005 is reflected
in the Vision Statement and Mission Statement since these
were formulated at the beginning of his tenure.
His stated intention upon taking over the Commission
was to put as many plans into action as were necessary in
the shortest time possible. The emphasis here was ‘action’
since much time had been spent over the years discussing
and planning. This approach was very much encouraged
by Archbishop Edward Gilbert, personally and officially,
who wanted to move the Archdiocese forward in an
orderly and systematic way.
2001 - 2011
Archbishop Gilbert has had an ‘open door’ policy with
his priests and vicars, which allowed for his input and
guidance whenever the AFLC encountered a significant
obstacle and gave the freedom to be creative. The
Archbishop’s influence on the work of the AFLC was
evident in his own conviction of the importance of family
life in the Archdiocese and the nation. This conviction
was followed up by tangible financial support from the
Chancery over the years.
The AFLC thanks His Grace for his generous support
and encouragement over the years that in no small way
contributed to its success and development.
We pray for an abundance of blessings on him in his future
undertakings.
Msgr. Robert Llanos
Episcopal Vicar/chair
Archdiocesan Family Life Commission
EVANGELISATION
COMMISSION
In the Light of Faith
Establishment of the Evangelisation Commission was a
direct strategic decision based on the consensus of the
2003 gathering of the Synod in the Archdiocese. By Easter
of that year His Grace Archbishop Gilbert confirmed the
appointment of Fr Urban Hudlin OP as Episcopal Vicar
for Evangelisation.
The scope of work was very broad and the terms of
reference were to be developed through a series of
consultative meetings with a team to be selected by the
new Vicar. His understanding at the time was that with
this team, the task of formulating a way forward for the
Evangelisation Commission would be conceptualised.
Members of the team were: Delia Joseph, Peter Forde
and Dianne Benjamin. The team agreed that while it
was important to raise funds, employ staff and set up an
administrative structure, it was also important to carefully
examine the Church context in which they were to
mount the ministry of evangelisation. This led the team
to engage in designing a survey, which would act as a
platform and point of departure for the Commission. We
were convinced that any other starting point would have
been based on assumptions and fantasies.
In order to find effective ways of evangelising, a survey
of members of the Archdiocese was conducted. Some
59 parishes in five vicariates, including Tobago, were
surveyed and the findings served to give direction and
realism to the ministry activities that the Commission
eventually embarked upon.
Key issues outlined in the survey questionnaire were:
Mission of the Church • Opportunities for deepening one’s relationship with
the Lord, which includes opportunities for Bible study
and training/development for the Laity;
• Communication;
• Support for those in need, which includes prayer and
tangible support; and
• Youth involvement in the Church.
Personal Satisfaction with selected Church activities There were three broad areas under investigation:
i) Preaching and Worship;
ii) Pastoral Care; and
iii) Community Life.
• Whether one’s spiritual needs are being met by the
Church, in particular sermons offering spiritual
‘upliftment’;
• Visibility and accessibility of priests and church
leaders; and
• Parishioners’ concern for one another.
OUTDOOR PREACHING
First major activity was an outdoor weeklong preaching
mission/retreat in Couva, in October 2003. Merlene
Mohammed was the driving force behind this project.
She worked closely with the team and this project became
the template for all future outdoor preaching activities
conducted by the Commission which from that time until
2011 has done 13, some in collaboration with parishes.
The Vicar and team saw the need to expand the
membership/volunteer base. This was done in
collaboration with GRACE Music Ministries through
various parish mission preaching activities during Lent
of 2004. The idea of building the Evangelisation ministry
from the ‘bottom up’ prepared the ground for the ALPHA
expansion which followed later. The growth process from
the organisational standpoint was under the watchful
care of both Peter Forde and Trevor Marshall who both
assisted in designing the structure of the Evangelisation
Commission.
COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED
The Evangelisation Commission’s offices opened on
August 1, 2004 in what was then the Family Life Centre in
Chaguanas, now the Catholic Centre, with Barbara Lake
and Sheree Ann Bharat as administrative staff. Several
committees made up of volunteers were established.
They were: • Adult Faith and Education (Bernadette Price);
Synod 2005 met the Evangelisation Commission very
well positioned. We wanted resolutions to be passed which
would give the ministry the mandate to further develop its
programmes. At this point the framework for the activities
of the Commission was clearly articulated in its mission
and vision statements, as well as its priorities.
Fr Hudlin described 2005-2007/8 as the ALPHA phase,
which in fact was a response to what the survey had
discovered - that our people wanted to learn more about
Christianity in an environment of friendship and welcome.
During this period, a radical restructuring took place to
meet the needs of our people, namely Catholicism 201,
the brainchild of Canadian Fr James Mallon as a follow
up to the Alpha Course. It was introduced also as a plan of
outreach for the entire Archdiocese.
From October 2008 Arlene Bereaux spent 12 months
researching and developing a programme to put
evangelisation teams into parishes. Fr Hudlin’s vision
for the 2009-2011 phase was that evangelisation groups
become operational in each parish providing support to
the new areas of ministry which were being developed.
Fr Hudlin went abroad on study leave in August 2009
and Vicar General Msgr Christian Pereira, who was also
Parish Priest of Santa Rosa, Arima, was appointed Vicar
for Evangelisation.
• Communications (Maria Neilson);
SYNOD 2009
• Intercessory (Nicole Pichery);
The Third Sitting of the Synod in 2009 saw the emergence
of three pastoral priorities. The New Evangelisation,
Revitalising Catholic Culture and Identity and
Regenerating the Moral and Spiritual Values of our
Society. To carry out the structuring for Mission and to
ensure fidelity to the Mission of Christ (as per Synod
2009) the Evangelisation Commission while maintaining
its independence, became part of the New Evangelisation
Department, which included the Family Life Commission,
Catholic Education and Youth Commission under
the chairmanship of Msgr Robert Llanos. In 2009 the
Commissions and Secretariats in the New Evangelisation
Department came together with their pastoral plans to
launch the Year of the Family 2010.
• Special Events (Kimoy Mansing);
• Fund Raising (Dianne Benjamin and Lynne MoeYearwood);
• Youth (Tricia Hudlin); and
• Finance (Lesly Mayers).
At that time, Touch of Christ was linked to the
Commission. In 2006, Margaret Stewart-Williams joined
the Commission as Administrative Assistant to Mrs Lake
and, upon Mrs Bharat’s departure in 2009, she took on
the responsibility of National Alpha Advisor in the
Archdiocese and for outreach programmes.
2001 - 2011
Activities of the Commission have been many and varied.
Annual activities include a National Day of Prayer and
Fasting, held each year in a different parish, the outdoor
Prayer and Praise on The Greens in collaboration with St
Peter’s RC Church, Pointe-à-Pierre. Guest speakers at the
latter event have included Archbishop Edward Gilbert,
Msgrs Jason Gordon and Robert Llanos, Fr Robert Christo,
Mary Baptiste and Carmel Raffique. This is broadcast live
on 90.1 (WACK Radio) nationally and internationally on
the World Wide Web.
Radio programmes have been very much part of the
Commission’s outreach vision and with today’s technology
of worldwide streaming, feedback told us that this proved
to be a strong and popular form of communication to
Catholics both home and abroad. Programmes included:
2005/2006
Power 102FM: 7-week Radio Series: “IN THE LIGHT
OF FAITH” with Fr Hudlin, Fr Arnold Francis and guests
discussing Catholic insight, understanding the faith,
Purgatory, prayer in the Catholic tradition, prayers for the
dead and other topics.
2007
90.1FM WACK Radio: three-month Sunday morning10minute inspirational spot with Fr Hudlin.
‘Coming Home to Christ’ Missions are very much part of
the Commission’s Outreach Programme.
In 2004 Alex Jones, a former Pentecostal pastor and now
a Catholic deacon, came to Trinidad at the invitation of
the Commission. He told guests at St Thomas Aquinas
parish in Detroit after his conversion, that no price was
too high to convert his Detroit parish to Catholicism. He
gave talks in the parishes of St Finbar’s, Diego Martin, St
Phillip and St. James, Chaguanas, Our Lady of Perpetual
Help, San Fernando, Our Lady of Fatima, Curepe, Tobago
and concluded with a one-day rally at the Larry Gomes
Stadium, Malabar.
Fr Maurice has been our guest on several occasions. In
2006 he conducted a three-night mission at St Benedict’s,
La Romaine; in 2008 a three-night mission at Christ the
Lord and St Michael’s, Marabella and in 2010 missions
in St Charles, Tunapuna, St Dominic’s, Tobago and St
Mary’s, Mucurapo. 2011 saw him back in Trinidad to
conduct a two-night mission in St. Anthony’s, Point
Fortin.
Fr Hudlin developed an evangelisation presentation,
‘Lord Send Me’, which the Commission presented in
each vicariate in the latter half of 2007. Each parish
was given a DVD copy of the power point presentation
together with an explanatory back-up document. It was
expected that parishes would use this tool as a basis to
start evangelisation teams in their parishes.
2008
90.1FM WACK Radio: every Thursday at noon, Holy
Mass from St. Peter’s, Pointe-à-Pierre went out live
nationally and internationally on the Internet.
The Adult Faith Education Programme was developed by
Bernadette Price and later put into a three-year module by
Pam Lee-Sam and Marilyn Pierre. This was accepted and
it was proposed that it would be put into effect through
CREDI.
PREACHERS’ WORKSHOPS
Between 2004 and October 2011 the Commission held
eight Preachers’ Workshops, “The Life Giving Word”.
Presenters included Frs Joseph Harris CSSp, John
Theodore CSSp and Arnold Francis, the late Sr Diane
Jagdeo OP, Fr Hudlin and Fay Rodrigues and for the last
three years including 2011, Fr Maurice Nutt CSsR.
EVANGELISATION THROUGH THE ARTS
The Commission was approached to evangelise through
the arts and so became involved in the production of an
original musical drama ‘I Am Risen’ put on at the Strand
cinema, Port of Spain, over a two-week period in May
2006. A large cast of actors, singers, dancers and musicians
came together under the direction of the Commission and
Jemma Redman, who wrote and produced the drama that
told the story of Christ’s Resurrection.
from the Commission have conducted training sessions
at Liturgy School, as well as in St. Vincent and Jamaica.
Each vicariate now has one or more advisors who report
to the Commission.
As part of the New Evangelisation Department, in
December 2009 under the direction of Msgr Pereira, the
Commission launched ‘Catholic Family Become What
You Are’ on the Feast of the Holy Family at parish level.
We designed, printed and distributed with the help of the
Catholic News, 35,000 prayer pamphlets to coincide with
the launch.
In 2005 an Alpha Canada team came to Trinidad to
conduct Youth Alpha training. In 2007 Youth Alpha for
Confirmation Candidates went into the parish of Diego
Martin. In 2008, the Commission conducted a Youth
Alpha introductory weekend at the Catholic Centre,
Chaguanas, and this was followed by a 10-week Youth
Alpha course in collaboration with the Youth Secretariat.
Youth Alpha has now been established and has been run
at St Anthony’s, Petit Valley, St John’s, Diego Martin and
Point Fortin Secondary School. Alpha in the Work Place
has been and continues to run in Point Fortin. Alpha is
also in the prisons (Alpha for Prisons).
In January 2010 after many requests, we distributed a
further 20,000 to parishes and schools. To coincide with
the Feast of Saints Joachim and Ann in 2010, again under
the direction of Msgr Pereira, we designed, printed and
distributed 20,000 pamphlets which included A Husband’s
Prayer, A Wife’s Prayer, Prayer of Spouses for each other,
Parents Prayer for their Children, Prayer for the Family,
Renewal of Vows and Prayer of Blessing of the Married
Couple.
The Commission participated in August 2010 in the
Archdiocesan Family Life Commission’s Family Fun
Day, arranging for the St John’s Ambulance Brigade and
running the First Aid Tent.
Although the Commission from inception had a permanent
Intercessory Team as part of the New Evangelisation
Department, it established two formal Intercessory Teams,
whose sole purpose was to keep the New Evangelisation
Department, individual commissions and all projects
including Archdiocesan events, in prayer.
ALPHA COURSES
Since 2005, the Commission has run Alpha Courses,
Training Seminars, Youth Alpha and Global Alpha
Training (GAT) at the Catholic Centre, Chaguanas. A
team from Alpha International conducted GAT, which also
included sessions on Alpha in Prisons and Caring for exOffenders. To date 28 parishes, plus communities, have
run and continue to run the Alpha Course. Representatives
10
2001 - 2011
In 2008 the Commission hosted the Caribbean Alpha
Conference at the Rudrunath Capildeo Learning Resource
Centre in McBean Village, Couva. A team of administrators
and presenters came from Alpha International UK with
one presenter from Canada. Countries represented were
Antigua, Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin
Islands, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti and
Jamaica as well as participants from Trinidad and Tobago.
All the overseas guests were hosted at local homes.
Apart from the main presentations, workshops covered
Alpha for Prisons, Caring for Ex-Offenders, Alpha in the
Workplace, Worship on Alpha, Prayer on Alpha, Getting
Alpha Started in your Country, Linking Alpha with the
Marriage Course, How to Organise a Weekend Away,
Youth Alpha, How to Give a Good Live Alpha Talk and
Alpha in the Catholic Context.
Following one of the earlier Alpha programmes, the
Commission ran Touching Jesus through the Church and
although the Commission has not run Catholicism 201,
Alpha advisors, administrators and leaders have been
trained and have been involved in running it in some
parishes, post Alpha.
Alpha International has requested that a National Catholic
Alpha office be set up in Trinidad to facilitate Trinidad
and Tobago and the Caribbean. Archbishop Gilbert has
given this project his blessing and it is hoped that 2012 will
see the office opened in the Evangelisation Commission.
After discussion, Alpha International’s legal department
has given permission for Alpha materials to be printed in
Trinidad, which is a major breakthrough.
The Commission’s fund raising projects include four
Priests and Religious in Concert, three Seven-Day
Caribbean cruises, with a further one planned for 2012, a
Tea and Fashion Show and Prayer Breakfasts.
Days of Renewal and retreats have been held for
Commission volunteers and workshops and retreats have
been held for Commission staff and over the years, the
Commission has celebrated several Masses with additional
Healing Prayers in parishes throughout the island.
Recently, the Missionaries of the Divine Potter, under the
guidance of Bernadette Burke received His Grace’s blessing
and was welcomed by Msgr Christian Pereira to come
under the umbrella of the Evangelisation Commission.
Over the years Bernadette has been involved with the
Commission in many projects and at her invitation, Fr
Hudlin went with her to preach in Tanzania.
NEW VICAR APPOINTED
In January 2011 His Grace appointed Fr Robert Christo as
Vicar for Evangelisation.
Fr Christo’s priority was to ensure that everyone knows
that New Evangelisation does not mean ‘re-evangelising’
but rather, a new evangelisation which involves the
laity. To get this across, in September, the Commission
hosted a day where guests, who have been involved with
the Commission on some level since inception, came
together for ‘Evangelisation - A New Way Ahead’. After
bringing guests up to speed on what was happening in the
Commission, Fr Robert shared the Commission’s vision
for the future and how people can become involved in
both their parishes and the Commission.
One of the goals of the Commission is to ensure that
there is an evangelisation team in every parish as was
the plan for 2009 - 2011. The question ‘who needs to be
evangelised?’ produces answers that include: the young,
the alienated, those without faith, the un-churched, the
de-churched, those on the fringes and the core die-hards.
To evangelise we must be able to share our faith, give
personal witness, preach if necessary, nurture and extend
invitations in order that people have a sense of belonging.
In being part of an evangelisation team one has to ask
oneself “Am I active?” “Am I a catechist?” “Am I an
apologetic?” “Am I hospitable?” It is the duty of every
Catholic to evangelise: “For disciples of Christ the duty
to evangelise is an obligation of love” (Pope John Paul
II). The parish community will be the centre of New
Evangelisation which involves building a community of
friendship.
In addition to evangelisation teams in parishes, the
Commission has developed a RECALL programme,
which will involve parents and godparents of newly
baptised babies, parents of children making their First
Holy Communion and parents of Confirmation candidates.
Once parents are involved they will be introduced to the
ALPHA programme, progressing to Catholicism 201
and Eucharist 301 by which time it is hoped they will be
involved in ministry in their parishes. Training for the
various programmes will be offered initially at vicariate
level. This programme was piloted in St Peter’s, Pointeà-Pierre under Fr Hudlin and proved to be extremely
successful. The second parish to host it will be St
Anthony’s, Point Fortin.
Part of Fr Christo’s vision for the Commission is to set up
a Catholic Enquiry Office, which will supply information
about the Catholic faith with a guarantee of no follow-ups
unless requested. Tracts will be available for those who
wish to learn more and it is hoped that tracts chosen by the
Commission will be available in all parishes.
‘Catholics in the Workplace’, the brainchild of amongst
others, Bishop Jason Gordon and Dr Ruby Alleyne
will now come under the Evangelisation Commission.
Catholics in their working environment will be able to
access various activities including Mass, praying of the
Rosary, prayer sessions and discussions being streamed
live.
11
Fr Christo is of the firm opinion that evangelisation
transforms society, lives, relationships and inner culture
and agrees with Archbishop Fisichella, Head of the
Pontifical Council for New Evangelisation that in order
to be effective we have to examine the context we are in.
Although countries will do things differently, the content
of New Evangelisation will always be the same in that
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and always and
He, who died and rose from the dead gives hope and sense
to life.
In establishing the Evangelisation Commission in 2003,
Archbishop Gilbert gave the Archdiocese a wonderful
platform from which to launch programmes and initiatives
that could only be for the good of Catholics in Trinidad
and Tobago. His Grace’s vision and insight into the needs
of our Church are beyond what we could have wished for.
12
2001 - 2011
He has always been most supportive of the Commission
and it is our hope, that although we still have a long
way to go, we have been able to provide some of what
he had in mind when he decided that an Evangelisation
Commission was needed in the Archdiocese.
We at the Evangelisation Commission would like to thank
His Grace for his many contributions and wish him a long
and happy retirement filled with only good things, many
rounds of golf and a multitude of God’s blessings as he
enters the next stage of his life.
Fr Robert Christo
Vicar for Evangelisation
CATHOLIC YOUTH
COMMISSION
Encounter, Formation and Mission
Under the episcopate of Archbishop Edward J. Gilbert,
the youth and young adult ministry in the Archdiocese of
Port of Spain has been placed on a strong, certain and
forward looking path.
The Catholic Youth Commission believes if this path
is followed with wisdom, insight and imagination, the
dream of the Church for youth and young adult ministry
would be realised. This dream is authentic integral human
development.
The following summary outlines highlights of the
achievements and strides made by the Commission under
the stewardship of Archbishop Gilbert. It must be noted
that countless programmes of pastoral, administrative and
other persuasions were also successfully conducted.
2001 – 2003
Sr Rosemary Carvalho, a Cluny sister attached to the
Emmaus Retreat Centre in the Santa Rosa parish, Arima,
was the standing Youth Coordinator, for the Archdiocese
during that period. The work done at that time was aimed
at training leaders and building and linking the youth and
young adult community of the Archdiocese. The work
entailed:
•
Leadership training for youth and young adult leaders;
•
Weekend retreats for groups and parishes;
•
Planning and coordinating vicariate and Archdiocesan
rallies and seminars;
•
Planning for and attending AEC Youth Assemblies
and World Youth Day celebrations;
•
Hosted the AEC Youth Assembly in Trinidad – 700
foreign delegates, 800 local delegates; 7,000 youth
and young adults attended the closing liturgy.
2003 – 2008
Sr. Kathy Joseph OP was the Episcopal Delegate in
this period, Sr Kathy was able to draw from the youth
and young adult leaders who were trained through the
leadership training sessions of the previous delegate Sr
Rosemary Carvalho and further develop youth and young
adults.
As a result of Synods 2003 and 2005, five resolutions
relative to the youth and young adult ministry emerged.
New Vision and Mission statements also came to the fore
under Sr Kathy’s watch.
VISION STATEMENT – Young faith-filled Catholics
transformed in body, mind, heart and soul on fire for
Christ
MISSION STATEMENT – To build young disciples,
strong in faith, in love with Christ and his Gospel and
generous in serving their brothers and sisters
Those five Synod resolutions set the agenda for the work
of the Secretariat for the following years.
1) Resolution 33 – Be it resolved that the “vision of
Youth ministry for Youth and Young Adults of the
Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC)” be the official
guideline for establishing Comprehensive Youth
Ministry in all parishes in the Archdiocese.
To achieve this resolution the following steps were
taken:
•
New youth ministry course offered;
13
•
All Parishes, communities and youth organisations
invited to participate;
•
Copies of the AEC document made available to
all; and
•
New Vision and Mission statements for the
Secretariat.
time and talent and often their financial resources
in the service of the Church.
5) Resolution 38 - Be it resolved that the Archdiocesan
Youth Secretariat be established to include the
establishment of Catholic youth centres in each
vicariate.
2) Resolution 34 – Be it resolved that all movements/
organisations that cater to the needs of youth, and
operate independently, fall under the umbrella of the
Youth Secretariat, which includes representation from
all Archdiocesan youth movements.
•
Communication established with groups in the
Archdiocese.
•
Groups assisted the Secretariat with projects e.g.
Joyful Noise Concerts.
•
Group assisted the Secretariat with planning
and execution of major Archdiocesan events
e.g. Empower (2005), Youth Assembly (2007),
Solidarity: A positive Youth Revolution (2008).
•
Monthly TV Programme.
3) Resolution 35 – Be it resolved that there be full time
paid youth coordinators for each parish to oversee
youth ministry, and within each vicariate there be
paid personnel to coordinate the youth activities of
that vicariate.
•
Even though this resolution was not implemented
(for financial reasons) there continues to be youth
coordinators in each vicariate and most parishes
throughout the Archdiocese.
4) Resolution 37 - Be it resolved that a standard policy
be implemented that youth be appointed wherever
feasible, to parish, vicariate and Archdiocesan
councils or bodies and that their contributions be
acknowledged.
14
•
It is noteworthy that young adults are serving on
pastoral councils and in other parish groups and
committees.
•
At present two young adults, male and female,
serve on the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council.
Another represents the Secretariat on the board
of the Family Life Commission. The Secretariat
is grateful to these young adults for their
commitment and service as they give of their
2001 - 2011
•
Due to financial constraints, the Secretariat has not
been able to embark on this project. The Youth
Secretariat, situated in the Northern Vicariate, is
inadequate to house youth events. Schools and
community centres are often the venues for youth
activity, especially at vicariate archdiocesan
levels.
•
The Secretariat maintains the Ocean Star Catholic
Retreat House on the beach at Guayaguayare.
2009 – 2011
In February 2009, Winston Garcia was appointed
Episcopal Delegate for Youth for the Archdiocese. He
had the good fortune to find a fully functional modern
Youth Secretariat, complete with furniture and office
equipment. Sr Kathy set the perfect tone for continued
delivery of valuable ministry to youth and young adults
of the Archdiocese.
Upon conclusion of Synod 2009, the status of the Catholic
Youth Secretariat was elevated to that of a Commission
by His Grace at the request of the delegate.
Resolution 4 - All the attention of the Commission
was now aimed at accomplishing Resolution 4 under
the pastoral priority of the New Evangelisation. It read,
“be it resolved that each Catholic parish implement
Comprehensive Youth and Young Adult Ministry”.
LEADERS’ CONFERENCE
An Archdiocesan leaders’ conference was held at
Presentation College, Chaguanas to:
•
Explain how youth and young adult ministry would be
affected by Synod pastoral priorities and resolutions;
•
Meet with parish and vicariate youth coordinators;
•
To formally introduce the new delegate;
•
To share aspirations and celebrate our faith; and
•
To discuss how Comprehensive Youth Ministry could
be rooted in the parishes.
COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH MINISTRY
CONFERENCE
The Commission hosted a Comprehensive Youth Ministry
Conference at Our Lady of Fatima RC Church in Curepe
on 16 January 2010, for all parishes and stakeholders. The
Commission:
•
Secured the services of Dr Carole Godwin DMin
- Director of Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese of
Louisville, Kentucky, to be the keynote presenter. Dr
Godwin has extensive experience with adolescents
and young adults in school, parish, diocesan, and
university settings. She is a popular national speaker
on adolescent issues at training workshops for
catechists and young ministers. She is the author
of Quicksilvers: Ministering with Junior High
Youth (Twenty-Third Publications).
•
Dr. Godwin has since been serving The Youth
Commission as an advisor.
•
Produced a 4-step plan for implementing CYM in
parishes.
•
A DVD was also produced to accompany the plan.
the Appreciative Inquiry development methodology using
the 4-D cycle Discover, Dream Design and Deliver.
DISCOVER – A summary of pressing issues was realised
and a list of possible age appropriate programmes and
activities were suggested.
DREAM – Aspiration statements from each age group
were developed outlining the kind of Church youth and
young adults would like to see.
DESIGN – The nine components of Comprehensive
Youth Ministry were used to develop and shape a response,
these are:1) Pastoral Care;
2) Leadership Development;
3) Community Life;
4) Advocacy;
5) Prayer and Worship;
6) Catechesis;
7) Justice and Service;
8) Evangelisation; and
9) Multi cultural awareness.
DELIVER
ARCHDIOCESAN YOUTH CONVERSATION
His Grace asked the Commission to conduct a Conversation
with youth and young adults of the Archdiocese, the aims
of which were:
1) To give youth and young adults an opportunity to
voice their ideas and aspirations with regard to making
parish life more youth friendly; and
2) To use the feedback to design an appropriate Pastoral
response to their needs.
Approximately 2,000 persons attended the Conversation
held in the context of a Youth Expo. Some 41 booths
highlighted the work of religious congregations,
departments of the Archdiocese, groups and movements
within the Church.
STRUCTURE
The conversations took place at parish, vicariate and
Archdiocesan levels. Three age groups were targeted, 13
– 17, 18 – 25 and 26 – 35. The Commission employed
The Commission has chosen a brand for delivering and
promoting Catholic youth and young adult ministry in
the Archdiocese. It is called Youth EFM, which is Youth
on Encounter Formation and Mission. The formation
component is an Adolescent Formation Programme
(spanning three years) for youth 13-17 and an Adolescent
Development Programme catering for young adults in
two age groups 18 – 25 and 26 – 35.
The Encounter component we hope would be achieved by
Encounter retreats e.g. COR. To date at least six parishes
have made requests and St Francis Parish in Sangre
Grande will be the first in January 2012.
The Mission component of our programme was inspired
by the Aparecida Document. A former primary school
has been permanently secured by the Commission to be
converted into a missions training centre, to raise young
missionary disciples, to reach challenged parishes in the
Archdiocese.
A group of Young Adults, who experienced World Youth
Day in Madrid, Spain, in August 2011, are planning our
first missionary outreach. We will be going to the Cedros
Parish on Sunday 20 November to make the first step
15
towards rekindling a missionary spirit among youth and
young adults.
2001 - 2011
assess the needs of the youth and young adults and to
respond to those needs. A handbook giving details of the
entire process is in the final stages of preparation to be
published.
KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS (KRA)
Five Areas form the operating system of our new pastoral
approach Youth EFM. It is called FLAME:
•
Formation.
•
Leadership.
•
Administration.
•
Mission.
•
Encounter with Christ.
Units to effectively carry out the work of the Commission
will be established, in these areas: media, sports and
recreation, research and development and music and arts.
PASTORAL PLAN
Parishes with the help of their Vicariate Youth Coordinator
and the Youth Commission are expected to produce a
Comprehensive Youth Ministry Pastoral Plan for one
year, for their parishes. This will depend on the needs of
the youth and young adults and the resources available
to the parish. A weekly schedule outlining roles and
responsibilities will be produced every week by the parish
planning team. Each parish will be expected to keep a
parish binder with the Plan’s weekly schedule and other
important documents.
The above initiatives have materialised as a direct result
of the Youth Conversations requested by His Grace to
16
Other achievements of the Catholic Youth Commission
under the stewardship of Archbishop Gilbert include:
•
A young adult seminar entitled “Young Adult Ministry
Our Future Depends On It”. January 2011.
•
Attending AEC Youth Assembly, in Jamaica, with
100 pilgrims.
•
Attending World Youth Day, in Spain, with 102
pilgrims.
•
Collaborating with Archdiocesan departments to
realise pastoral initiatives e.g. CCSJ, AFLC.
•
Maintaining and managing Ocean Star Youth Retreat
Centre, Guayaguyare.
•
Representing the interest of Catholic youth at secular
forums e.g. UNDP and Ministry of Sport and Youth
Affairs.
•
Attending Department Heads meetings.
•
Assisting with retreats in the Archdiocese and in other
islands of the Caribbean
•
Representing the Archdiocese at the AEC Executive
Youth Council.
Winston Garcia
Episcopal Delegate
PONTIFICAL MISSION
SOCIETIES
Spreading the Good News
BOARD MEMBERS
Sr Deborah de Rosia -
Chairperson
Mrs Eunice Alleyne
-
Member (Editor)
Mrs Sheila Charles
-
Member
Mrs Louisa Peters
-
Member
Ms Sara-Lee Manmohan
- Member
Mr Nolan Graham
- Member
Mrs Bernadette Alleng - Member/Secretary
Ms Patricia Williams
- new Member
Bi-Monthly meetings are held at the Eternal Light
Community, the last being on July 16, 2011.
ACHIEVEMENTS
The Board of Directors was formulated in the late 90s.
The above comprise the Board.
In 2002 – Our first Mission Vineyard was published. The
Mission Vineyard normally gives a Message from the
Archbishop, interviews, updates and coming events and
the editor’s remarks.
A Multi-Presentation was formulated in 2006 and members
are encouraged to have this presented at all parishes and
primary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese.
A Mission Symposium took place at the Holy Name
Convent, Port of Spain in 2002 and another in 2003 at
Fatima RC Church, Curepe.
Visits have been made to various schools in support of
‘the call of Mission’ namely:
St Joseph’s Convent, St Joseph and San Fernando, Santa
Cruz RC School, St Joseph’s RC Schools (Boys and
Girls).
Mission Outreach was made locally to Blanchisseuse RC
Church, St Anthony’s RC Church, Point Fortin, Cedros
RC Church, Mayaro and Guayaguayare.
Mission Outreach Programme – Youth Camp held in
Tobago and Guyana.
Mission Youth Club was initiated in some of the primary
schools, whereby Mission Boxes were erected. A Mission
Constitution is now being formulated for distribution to
the various Youth Clubs.
Some of the Schools are San Juan RC Boys and Girls,
Santa Cruz RC Boys and Girls, Mucurapo RC School
Boys and Girls, Bon Aventure School in Gasparillo.
SOCIAL EVENT
Annual Christmas Dinner for all members normally takes
place on the First Friday of December.
17
2012
The meeting of Directors of the Pontifical Mission
Societies of the Antilles Episcopal Conference will
take place in Trinidad from the 6 – 9 February 2012.
Some 22 foreign visitors are due to arrive in Trinidad
and are to be accommodated at Mount St. Benedict
(Regional Seminary). Accommodation includes
boarding.
At the time of writing, Board Members were working
on securing transportation to and from Piarco Airport
and making arrangements for sightseeing tours and
social events.
2001 - 2011
organisations throughout the Archdiocese of Port of
Spain. We overcame this challenge by arranging a
pullout in the weekend Catholic News.
We are hoping we would be able to obtain sufficient
funds to have Mission Prayer Cards printed, so
they can be distributed during Mission Month in
October.
We are also trying to secure Mission Rosaries for
distribution.
The Opening Ceremony will include Mass, to be
celebrated by the Archbishop/Nuncio.
VISION
To continue the Mission Outreach throughout Trinidad
and Tobago and also in the surrounding countries;
PROPOSED OUTREACH PROGRAMME FOR
2012
To continue the production of the Mission Vineyard and
the distribution be made far and wide;
Arrangements are being made to visit Grenada to
hold a Youth Camp during July.
To target Parishes, Secondary and Primary Schools
promoting Mission Youth Clubs;
To increase the members of the Pontifical Mission Societies
by including youth membership.
CHALLENGES
Due to the high cost of printing, it has been quite
difficult to maintain the usual format of the Mission
Vineyard as a brochure. This brochure was distributed
under separate cover to various parishes, schools and
18
Deborah De Rosia
Chairperson
Pontifical Mission Societies
SECTION II
Archdiocesan Catechetical Office
Catholic Education Board of
Management
Commission for Religious
‘Being a disciple is a gift
that is intended to grow.
Christian initiation provides
the possibility of a gradual
apprenticeship in knowledge,
love, and following of Jesus
Christ. It thus forges Christian
identity with fundamental
convictions and accompanies
the search for the meaning of
life. The catechetical dynamics
of Christian initiation must be
undertaken. A community that
takes on Christian initiation
renews community life and
awakens
its
missionary
character. This requires new
pastoral attitudes on the part of
bishops, priests, deacons, people
with vows, and pastoral agents’
(Aparecida, Concluding Document,
May 2007, n. 291).
19
2001 - 2011
ARCHDIOCESAN
CATECHETICAL OFFICE
Empowering The Faithful
“Go out to the whole world and proclaim the
good news to all creation!”
Introduction
Before 2001, the present day Archdiocesan Catechetical
Office was called the Religious Education Workshop.
With the advent of Synod 2003 a decision was made by
the current Catechetical administration to change the
name to reflect more accurately, the vision and work of
the Office.
We take great pride therefore in presenting this ten-year
report to His Grace, Archbishop Edward Gilbert as we
briefly reflect on the past, the role of the Synod in the
development of and the administration of catechetics in
the Archdiocese, the key personnel involved, the major
activities and collaborations entered into and of course,
our hopes for the future.
As far back as 1977 efforts were made to have coordinated
catechetical training in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain.
In the more immediate past the following persons gave
sterling contribution towards this effort - Carlos Roberts,
Msgr Christian Pereira, June Johnston, Sr Christina Araujo
and Linda Wyke - who was the last person to coordinate
such activities. Ms Wyke left as Directress of Religious
Education (1999/2001) when the current administration
came into being.
The advent of the Synod in 2003 impacted greatly on the
vision and planning for catechesis in Trinidad and Tobago.
The vision of catechesis moved from “ongoing formation
of the laity in all parishes” at the sitting of 2003, to the
establishment of “ongoing total catechesis” in 2005 to the
current Resolution also passed in the 2005 sitting: Be it
resolved that the Catholic faith be effectively taught in
all Catholic schools (Primary and Secondary) under the
auspices of the Catechetical Office. (See Appendix 1).
20
With this broadened mandate, the delivery of catechesis
in the Archdiocese not only had a complete makeover
with respect to delivery, but also in methodology and
training and in the very structure of its administration. A
Directress of Catechetics was appointed in Sr Columba
Byrne of the Holy Faith Sisters, with the mandate from
His Grace Archbishop Gilbert to produce resource
material, Teachers Guide and Workbooks for use in the
Archdiocese. This was to cover sacramental preparation
for primary and secondary schools.
Sr Columba a former Principal of Holy Faith Convent
in Penal and long involved with catechetics, had been
trained in Total Catechesis at Boston College in 19982001. She was thus able to coordinate, train and direct a
group of persons who concentrated on producing material
for catechetical development in the Archdiocese.
This report pays tribute to the sterling service of Sr
Columba and her team. Team members Teresa Reyes,
Mary M. Reyes-Mungo, Gail Barnard, Peggy Lee, Sr
Teresa Cardinez OP, Sr Margaret Murtagh CHF and
Antonett Prince-Trotman (typesetting and layout of all
the resources) are to be honoured for the varied and solid
catechetical work they performed in the Archdiocese
at various levels. Under Sr Columba’s direction they
developed and published a series of Religious Education
Programmes for the faith formation of the young at our
Primary and Secondary schools, as well as at parish level.
These resources comprised of programmes, which target
children from the preparatory stage of development to
teenagers. This tremendous task is all the more significant
since the Archbishop made it mandatory for all Catholic
schools and parishes in the Archdiocese to use these
books.
With the North office being manned by her assistant, Sr
Juliet Rajah CHF who in fact had the responsibility of
the overall day-to-day administration of the Catechetical
Office, Sr Columba concentrated full time on fulfilling the
mandate given to her. When she went on sabbatical leave
in 2009, Sr Juliet acted as Directress. Sr Columba resigned
not too long after her return from leave after serving for
more than 20 years in Religious Education. Sr Juliet, who
is also a Boston College alumna was appointed to the
position of Directress of Catechetics in 2010.
One other stalwart of the Catechetical Office in the recent
past was Jean Bernard, who passed away in February
2011. Jean’s articles for the Catechetical Page in Catholic
News always had a special readership throughout the
Archdiocese. An ex-teacher, Jean was well poised to
appraise the contexts of faith training needed in the schools
and to suggest ways and means to build up faith formation.
She also played a major role in the administration of the
Correspondence Course for adults which began in 2005.
A unique soul, Jean Bernard served for more than 15 years
in catechetical work in the Archdiocese. Her trademark
expression for God the Father, her “Daddy in heaven”
no doubt will be remembered by many readers of the
Catholic News.
VICARIATE LISTING/
CURRENT PERSONNEL AT ARCHDIOCESAN
CATECHETICAL OFFICE
Directress of Catechetics - Juliet Rajah (Sr) CHF
SOUTH
Antonett Prince-Trotman - Secretary
Bernadette Ramkhalawan - Catholic Education Regional
Officer / Vicariate Catechetical Coordinator
Julie Chan - Catholic Education Regional Officer/
Vicariate Catechetical Coordinator
CENTRAL
Bernadette Ramkhalawan - Catholic Education Regional
Officer
Julie Chan - Vicariate Catechetical Coordinator
SUBURBAN
Rosana Gonzales - Catholic Education Regional Officer
Louise Zamora - Vicariate Catechetical Coordinator
NORTH
Sr Juliet Rajah - Office Manager
Marina Lee - Secretary
Sr Marie Young- Vicariate Catechetical Coordinator
Eastlyn Rawlinson - Catholic Education Regional
Officer
Bernadette Phillip - Catechetical Coordinator (Tobago)
EASTERN
Ruby Nelson - Catholic Education Regional Officer
Sr Martin Joseph - Catholic Education Regional Officer
Denis Sue Hong - Vicariate Catechetical Coordinator
Anne Marie White - Resources
VISION STATEMENT
That LIFE GIVING CATECHESIS for every age and
stage of the Christian journey be offered in every parish.
The General Directory for Catechesis makes it clear that
catechesis is a lifelong process for all believers. It begins
in the family and spans the various phases of life.
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide spiritual, catechetical, moral and ecclesial
formation for every age and stage of the Christian journey.
The goal of this ministry is to empower all to make their
faith “living, conscious and active”.
The Vision and Mission of the Archdiocesan Catechetical
Office are to be understood within the context of Total
Parish Catechesis, which has been explained to all
stakeholders since 2003.
TOTAL PARISH CATECHESIS
Catechesis is a permanent school of faith and follows the
major stages of life (Catechesi Tradendae #43).
Since 2003, the Catechetical Office has been committed
to the primacy of adult catechesis with its focus on the
development of a mature faith in adults and the promotion
of lifelong faith formation. Total parish catechesis flows
from the Sunday Liturgy and involves the whole parish as
it continues into the home and schools. It ties together all
formal instruction within the parish – homilies, children’s
formation programmes, sacramental preparation, bible
study, spiritual growth opportunities, preparation for
various pastoral care and liturgical ministries – with
informal faith sharing. Since this permanent school of
faith consists of conversion, rather than achievement, it
does not lend itself to evaluation by the usual standards.
21
It requires a partnership of family, parish and school,
worshipping, teaching and learning together. The
Archdiocesan Catechetical Office, over a three-year period
has communicated to all parish priests and administrators,
reflection questions on the Sunday readings for different
age groups.
2001 - 2011
Content of the Basic Formation Course was based on the
video series for catechetical training Echoes of Faith and
included:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ministry of Catechesis
Faith and Moral Development
Catholic Morality
Prayer and Spirituality
Methodology
Liturgy and the Sacraments
What the Church believes
Church Development
Overview of Scripture
Intermediate Course
The partnership of family, parish and school represents
Total Parish Catechesis.
MAJOR ACTIVITIES
FAITH FORMATION FOR CATECHISTS
“The quality of any form of pastoral activity is placed
at risk if it does not rely on truly competent and trained
personnel...” Diocesan pastoral programmes must give
absolute priority to the formation of lay catechists”
(Article 234 GDC).
Recognising the importance of providing catechetical
training and formation, the Archdiocesan Catechetical
Office, through its Vicariate Coordinators, organised
Basic Formation and Intermediate Formation courses for
catechists throughout the Archdiocese.
These Courses address the Ministry of Catechesis,
Theology and Methodology with a stress on the four
essential elements of:
•
•
•
•
Content
Formation
Commitment
Mission
as given in the Pastoral letter of the Bishops of the Antilles
Episcopal Conference of 2000.
The Shared Praxis Process incorporates the above
elements.
22
Content for this Intermediate Formation is taken mainly
from ‘The Art of Catechesis’ by Maureen Gallagher.
At each level, participants are given the opportunity to
present lessons.
Topics covered are:
• Understanding the New Vision of Total Parish
Catechesis;
• Knowing those whom you catechise;
• Exploring the Gospels;
• Focus on Jesus as Teacher/Catechist;
• The Church;
• Prayer and Ritual;
• Sacraments as Symbolic Actions; and
• Living the Christian Life.
Each programme requires 16 hours of instruction.
At the time of writing, roughly 854 persons have
completed the Basic Formation course and about 895
the Intermediate course. The attendance figures for the
involvement of each vicariate between the years 2003
and 2010 have been tabulated however, and these can be
viewed in Appendix 2.
Because catechesis is the sharing of faith it is peopleconcentrated. It requires faith-filled knowledgeable and
trained people who strive to grow in faith themselves and
in turn share this faith with others. As we recognise our
special group of trained volunteer catechists as our greatest
resource and thank God for their contribution of witness
and dedication, we are also aware of the great need for
more catechists. While the numbers who have completed
training programmes are heartening, it can happen that,
due to personal, family or/and social situations, some
catechists are unable to continue commitment to this
ministry.
FAITH FORMATION FOR ADULTS
The Basic Correspondence Course
This initiative of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office
began in 2004 and is an effort to provide an alternative
ongoing faith formation for adults. It is an excellent
opportunity for persons who are unable to attend regular
sessions as the lessons can be completed in their own time
and in the comfort of their homes. The course comprises
a package of 27 lessons together with an answer sheet
for each lesson. Three lessons are sent out at a time
with general instructions. It is expected that the lessons
be completed in two to six weeks and returned to the
Archdiocesan Catechetical Office for evaluation and
comment.
To date, 1,166 persons have enrolled for this Course,
which addresses three areas: Catechesis, Theology and
Methodology.
Correspondence Course Involvement
2004
91
2005
163
2006
72
2007
193
2008
189
2009
195
2010
166
2011
97
1,166
See Appendix 4 for topics covered.
Adult Education at Parish Level
“Catechesis for adults since it deals with persons who are
capable of an adherence that is fully responsible must be
considered the chief form of catechesis” (GDC #59).
Your Grace, the information which follows is rather
detailed and is presented to give you an idea of the
vibrancy of adult education in the parishes. We note the
recurring item, Bible Study for nearly all the locations.
SOUTHERN VICARIATE
La Romaine
• Touching Jesus through the Church - Seven week
Course on the Sacraments
• Parenting Seminar
• Alpha
• Catholics and The Bible (DVD)
• Talks given to parents of First Communion and
Confirmation
Siparia
• Touching Jesus through the Church - Seven week
Course on the Sacraments
• Alpha
• Faith Sessions and Parenting Programmes with
First Communion & Confirmation Parents
• Catholics & the Bible (DVD) Ongoing Bible
Study
• Four weeks course on the Eucharist
Pointe-à-Pierre
• Session with Confirmation parents
• Video based programme - Father's Plan
• Alpha on going
Point Fortin
• Alpha - two years (2006-2007)
• Bible Class
• Sessions with First Communion & Confirmation
Parents
• Christian Education for all parishioners
New Grant
• Bible Study Class
Our Lady Of Perpetual Help (San Fernando)
• Coming Home to Christ (Parish Initiative)
• RCIA
South Oropouche
• RCIA
• Monthly Catechesis for adults
• Ongoing Bible Study
23
Rio Claro
• RCIA
• Alpha
• On-going Bible Study
Moruga
• Alpha
• Catholic and the Bible
• On-going Bible Study
• Four sessions on the Eucharist
La Brea
• RCIA
• Bible Study
• Know Your Faith Sessions
Cedros
• Adult Education conducted by the Parish Priest
Erin
Parents
• Bible Study
• RCIA
Princes Town
Parents
• The Catholic and the Bible • Discussions on Faith issues
Mon Repos
Parents
Penal
• Alpha
NORTHERN VICARIATE
Belmont
• Priest chooses a monthly topic for discussion
Parents
• Post Confirmation has been implemented
• Reflection on Sunday Gospel
• Newsletter
• Five-minute teaching before Mass
24
2001 - 2011
St Ann’s
Parents
• Post Confirmation has been implemented
Maraval/ Paramin
Parents
• Bible Study
• Catechesis for Church Feasts and Liturgical
Seasons
• Reflection of Sunday Gospel
St John’s, Diego Martin
• Alpha
• Touching Jesus through the Church
• General Faith Formation programmes offered in
the parish
• Seven week Course on the Sacraments
St Theresa’s, Woodbrook
• Catholics and the Bible
St. Patrick’s, New Town
• Catholics and the Bible
St Anthony’s
• Alpha
• Bible Sessions
Rosary/ Gonzales
• Alpha
Parents
• Youth Ministry - Catechetical component
Carenage
• Alpha
• Seven-week Course on the Sacraments
St Finbar’s
• Bible Study
Laventille/ Morvant
• Bible Study
• Youth Group - facilitated by catechists
Assumption
• Bible Study
St Mary’s, Mucurapo
• Youth Ministry actively involved in catechesis
with a permanent rep in charge of dissemination
of the faith.
• Post Confirmation Programme.
Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception
• Bible Study
EASTERN VICARIATE
Adult Education in Parishes
Arima
• The Catholic & the Bible
• Sessions for parents whose children are preparing
for the Sacraments
• Seven-week Course on the Sacraments
Arouca
• The Catholic & the Bible
• Alpha
• Know Your Faith Programme
• Course on the Sacraments
Coryal
Parents
• Bible Study
Mayaro
• Discussion on issues relevant to the faith
Maloney
• Use of DVDs and videos for adult faith
formation
Parents
• Bible Sessions
Sangre Grande
Parents
• RCIA
• Videos, Lecturers, Bible Study and Training for
Church Leaders
CENTRAL VICARIATE
Couva
• Video Presentations or talk before Mass each
weekend
• Inter Faith Advent Programme
• Eucharist - A Taste of God
• DVD / Video presentations relative to Liturgical
Season
• I Believe - four Sessions on the Creed
Couva & Chaguanas
• Touching Jesus through the Church
Tortuga
• The Catholic and the Bible
• Sessions on the Eucharist
Gran Couva
Carapichaima
• Alpha (Eight parishes)
• Catholics and the Bible (Eight parishes)
Parents
• A course on the Sacrament
• Bible Study
We are aware that much more goes on at parish level initiated by the Parish Priest and by other Commissions.
25
WORKSHOPS
Workshops are offered:
• To assist in the spiritual development of all adults
-teachers/catechists
• To help teachers/catechists gain more knowledge
of the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic
Church
• Study of the Pastoral Letter “Deepening the
Spirit of Solidarity” in collaboration with
Communications Commission
• Launch of Promises of God and Walking with
Jesus
• Liturgy School: Workshops
• Coordinators Workshop: Team Building
• To help teachers/catechists enhance their skills
and methods for effective presentation of the
Religious Education programme in schools/
parishes
• “Values and Virtues programme” in collaboration
with Education, Family Life and Youth
Commissions
Specialised workshops are offered in the areas of
Sacramental Preparation, R.C.I.A. and Methodology etc.
• Two Workshops for First Communion Catechists
2005 - 2010
• Preparation for
participants
• Launch of New Pre-First Communion Book –
Growing in the Way of Jesus
• Workshop for catechists teaching at 11-13 year
level
Workshops at Archdiocesan Level
• RCIA and Infant Baptism Workshops
Infant
Baptism
-
100
• R.C.I.A. - 85 participants
• Four Workshops for Parish Catechetical
Coordinators - Theme: “On the Road to Total
Parish Catechesis”
• Meetings with Committees working on
Catholic Secondary School Religious Education
Programme.
• Launch of Confirmation Book - Growing in
Discipleship in a Catholic Community
• Parish Catechetical Coordinators In-service
• Principals meeting
• Mid-life Workshop
• Workshop for Parish Catechetical Coordinators
• Workshop for Infant Baptism Catechists
• Liturgy School
• Workshop for RCIA Catechists
• Workshop for Confirmation catechists - Topic:
“Education on Sexuality: The Introduction of the
Abstinence programme”
• Facilitated Archdiocesan lectures on the Bible
– DVD presentations
26
2001 - 2011
VICARIATES
VCC coordinators facilitated various other workshops at
vicariate level.
Parish Visitation
Vicariate coordinators arrange to visit the Parishes within
their vicariate to:
• update parish Priest and team on the resources
available for catechetical programmes
• advise on the catechetical vision and plans for
Total Parish Catechesis
• encourage the sending of catechists to Formation
Courses
Vicariate coordinators also arrange regular meetings with
Parish Coordinators. During these sessions problems are
addressed and positive ideas that are working are shared.
Catechetical activities are planned e.g. Catechetical
Month. Recruitment of Catechists and planning for their
formation are discussed and on-going formation of parish
catechists is promoted.
Neophyte Mass
CATECHETICS IN THE SCHOOLS
The Archdiocesan Catechetical Office coordinates the
annual Neophyte Mass at the Cathedral.
Catholic Primary Schools
Resolution #25 amended from Synod 2003 and passed at
Synod 2005 reads as follows:
Be it resolved that the Catholic faith be effectively
taught in all Catholic schools (Primary and
Secondary) under the auspices of the Catechetical
Office.
The attendance since inception is listed below:
Neophyte Mass
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
No of persons attending
(include sponsors)
610
600
482
535
447
769
747
750
Other Formation Initiatives and On-going Events/
Happenings
Since then, under the auspices of the Catechetical Office,
teachers are trained, supported and encouraged to be
effective in that “process of transmitting the Gospel as
the Christian community has received it, understands it,
celebrates it, lives it and communicates it in many ways”
(GDC 105).
Teachers take into consideration all the human factors
of the particular age levels, in their efforts to present the
Gospel message.
Visitations
Green Card Project (Pre Confirmation)
To implement catechesis for primary school
leavers (11-12 year olds), the “Green Card
Project”, which identifies all Catholic students
who sat the SEA Examination, was initiated in
each parish in 2007. This project alerts parish
priests to the presence of these children in need
of catechesis. Statistics show that in 2007, 901
students were identified; in 2008, 766 students.
This “identification” can speak to the “83%” of
non-involved Catholics and could prove useful
for Total Parish Evangelisation.
Some parishes have already initiated a PreConfirmation Programme for this age group
using the Promise of God Textbook/Workbook.
Feedback is very positive. Archdiocesan Catechetical Rally 2007
Theme: “Encountering the Living Christ”. There
were 900 catechists in attendance.
All primary schools are visited by Catholic Education
Regional Officers at least twice per term. The visits facilitate
discussions with Principals, teachers and classrooms re:
Religious Education Programme in the Schools and other
Religious Activities involving teachers.
Catechetical Page - Catholic News
Every week a submission is made to the Catholic
News for insertion on the Catechetical Page.
With the accompanying workbooks for each stage they
continue to be used for the teaching of religious education
at primary school.
Principals are challenged:
• to ensure that Catholic religious education takes
place in the school on a daily basis during a period
set on the timetable
• to encourage teachers to participate in related
activities of the Catechetical Office e.g. Formation
Courses; Days of Renewal etc.
Textbooks
For the Primary school three texts were produced during
the period of this report
• Journey to Christmas
• Journey to Easter
• Journey to Pentecost
27
Assessment of this programme is done through visitation
of the schools. There, observation, workbook samples and
dialogue serve as evidence. Projects and performance/
activities that include drama, dance, poems, passion
plays, choral speaking and art and craft, also form part of
the evaluation.
teach the faith effectively in our Catholic primary schools.
A total of 240 young people completed this programme.
Catholic Secondary Schools
In 2010, the Ministry of Education stressed the importance
of teaching time in schools. We have since encouraged
teachers to access faith formation courses in their
respective parishes.
In response to a mandate from His Grace to develop
programmes for the systematic teaching of the faith
in Catholic secondary schools, the Catechetical Office
embarked on a project to identify a scope and sequence
curriculum, design and organise lessons and units of
study, and to write and publish teacher and student texts
for each year at secondary level.
Throughout the process many consultative meetings
took place with teachers from boys and girls Secondary
Schools, where valuable material and insights were
shared. To familiarise teachers with this programme for
systematic teaching, several orientation workshops were
also conducted.
The books were planned as a series in a five-year cycle.
The first Growing in Faith Series for Forms One came off
the press in 2007.
Renewal Days
Publications
Hundreds of Catholic teachers throughout the vicariates
continue to attend Days of Renewal organised by the
Catechetical Office. Over the last 10 years Renewal Days
were held in South, Central/Suburban, North, East and
Tobago.
The following resources were published during the tenyear period:
Updated (Primary School Level)
Journey to Christmas
Journey to Easter
Journey to Pentecost.
Certificates and awards/ trophies are given to schools.
Workshops
Each term, three one-day workshops are offered for
teachers at varying levels of the primary school system.
A total of 2,866 teachers attended the three-day workshops
over the last seven years.
Government primary, secondary and Catholic secondary
schools are also invited to these Days of Renewal. See
Appendix 3
Renewal Days in Tobago had an average attendance of
40 teachers.
Trainee Teachers
This programme for Trainee teachers began in September
2003, but due to changes inaugurated by the Ministry of
Education, it was phased out in 2007.
The programme was conducted in three areas, Port of
Spain, Emmaus Centre in Arima, and La Romaine.
The goal of the programme was meant to help young
teachers in their own spiritual journey of faith development
and to equip them with the knowledge and methodology to
28
2001 - 2011
Secondary School Level
Promises of God, Growing in Faith Series,
Lifelong Learning: Form I, with Teacher’s Guide
and Workbook, 2007
Walking with Jesus, Growing in Faith Series,
Lifelong Learning: Form 2, with Teacher’s Guide
and Workbook, 2008
Witnessing to Faith, Growing in Faith Series,
Lifelong Learning: Form 3, with Teacher’s Guide
and Workbook, 2007
Young Disciples in Mission, Growing in Faith
Series, Lifelong Learning: Forms 4, 5 and Beyond,
with Teacher’s Guide and Workbook, 2008
Other
Growing in Wisdom in a Catholic Community Catechist Guide and Workbook: First Communion,
2004
Growing in Discipleship in a Catholic Community
- Lifelong Learning: Confirmation Stage and
Beyond with Catechist Guide and Workbook,
2005
Growing in the Way of Jesus - Lifelong Learning:
Pre-First Communion Stage, with Parent/
Catechist Manual and Workbook, 2008.
The Office now has an official logo.
Your Grace would be pleased to note the extensive use
of the primary school textbooks with their workbooks in
other areas of the Caribbean. The first level secondary
school textbook Promises of God is also used by some of
the other Caribbean states.
Books are shipped to:
Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Grenada, St
Lucia, St Maarten NA and St Vincent. More recently,
a request was received from Brooklyn, New York for
Confirmation resources.
Workshops have also been facilitated in Barbados and
Grenada respectively and quite recently in St Vincent.
RESOURCES FOR CATECHISTS
Catechist Magazine
The accounting and distribution of the Catechist magazine
-published seven times a year - was undertaken. This
magazine presents current news and views of catechetical
trends, methods of operation, techniques, training,
Catholic doctrine, etc. Prompt delivery of this excellent
tool for catechists is appreciated by many catechists and
parishes who have subscribed.
General Resources
1. The Catechism of the Catholic Church
2. The General Directory for Catechesis
3. Guidelines for Catechesis the Antilles Episcopal
Conference
4. Catholic News
5. Other Resources: Seven Principles of Catechesis
(video), Liturgical Catechesis, Teaching Kids
the Basis of Liturgy, Publications from the
Catechetical Office etc.
Website
In 2010, the Catechetical Office officially launched its
website. At present, plans are in train to have the Adult
Faith Formation Correspondence Course online.
Address: rcpos.catechetics.org
COLLABORATION WITH OTHER
COMMISSIONS
The Catechetical Office is pleased to work collaboratively
with other departments of the Archdiocese in the following
areas.
• Catholic Education Board of Management,
• Deepening Solidarity - Facilitating Conversation
– Camsel,
• Dialogue on Crime and Violence – Social Justice
Commission,
• Respect for Life - Social Justice Commission,
• Lenten Prayer Publication - Social Justice
Commission,
• Virtues & Values Formation Programme for Post
SEA students in the primary schools
• CEBM and the Social Justice, Family Life, and
Youth Commissions, and
• Alpha - Evangelisation programme.
AREAS FOR GROWTH
Aware that the area of social communication calls for
“immediate vigorous action” - and that the means of
social communication, information and entertainment
technologies are gifts of God to be used for the good of
all , we propose that Catechesis at every level include
instruction about the media (media literacy education and
critical thinking as a life skill.)
(Inter Mirifica: Decree of the Means of Social
Communication .Vat. II, Dec. 4, 63)
The Catechetical Office is cognisant of the fact that the
Church had always had a relationship with meditated
communication and culture, for example the Archbishop’s
29
T.V. Catechetical Apostolate. Our plans for the future
include using more of mixed media in addressing a
wider range of practical objectives and strategies that can
enhance, and strengthen the Church in the Archdiocese of
Port of Spain through Total Parish Catechesis.
In 2003 at the first sitting of Synod, the Catechetical Office
presented their contribution in calypso.
Your Grace, it is because of your unstinting support that
the Catechetical Office has been able to make real the
sentiments expressed in the calypso, which we reproduce
beneath. The fact that you were the representative for
catechetics on the Antilles Episcopal Conference enabled
you to grasp most clearly, the needs, not only of Trinidad
and Tobago, but of the other states in the Conference.
CAPTURING THE VISION IN CALYPSO
Mammy learning, Daddy learning
Granny, Grampa, Tantie, Uncle, tout monde learning
Baby learning, children learning
From de day we born to de day we dead
We just keep on learning
Learning about Jesus
Learning about love
Learning how to keep in touch
With the Father above
Keeping our lives in tune with the Master’s plan
Lifelong catechesis spreading through we land.
1.
Meh granny come from church a little confused
She read ‘bout Synod in Catholic News
And when they mention education
She read plenty big words in their vision
Ah say granny, “Don’t you get bazodee”
Total catechesis very easy
Church community go reach a new phase
Learning ‘bout God every age and stage.
2. Adults who are active, faithful and true
Those with problems ain’t know what to do
Who have one foot inside, next out the door
Those who don’t know what they living for,
Will learn scriptures, catholic history
Devotions, doctrines, church identity
If all them big people learn ‘bout the faith
generations to come go be very great.
3. An important thing challenging all ah we
Is how to live we faith in the family
Go to Mass Sunday, when is home you reach
Make scriptures alive, practice what they preach.
Give parents “alpha”, bible every day
Lectio, prayer group and rosary to say
And when we get the knowledge we need
Like on fertile ground that they plant this seed.
4. Life long catechesis makes youths understand
That confirmation ain’t graduation
It will stop them from committing this fatal flaw
As they don’t want to come to church anymore
Give them ammunition to deal with dey life
Fight injustice and face all the strife
The RCIA go be the basis
for post-confirmation catechesis.
The use being made of our catechetical resources by the
other islands is testimony to your vision and faith in our
abilities. We thank God for your presence among us these
past 10 years and we wish you every blessing in your
retirement.
We ask God’s help to continue striving for good teaching
and production of resources in catechetics in the
Archdiocese.
God bless you, Your Grace.
Sr Juliet Rajah CHF
Directress of Catechetics
30
2001 - 2011
APPENDIX I
Synod Mandate
The Archdiocesan Synod 2003 proposed the resolution related to catechesis as follows:
• Be it resolved that the Archdiocese establish on-going catechetical formation programmes for the laity which
are to be implemented in all parishes.
The Resolutions retained from Synod 2003 and passed at Synod 2005:
• Be it resolved that the Archdiocese establish on-going total catechetical formation in all parishes.
Resolution #25 amended from Synod 2003and passed at Synod 2005:
• Be it resolved that the Catholic faith be effectively taught in all Catholic schools (Primary and Secondary)
under the auspices of the Catechetical Office.
APPENDIX II
Formation Course Involvement 2003 - 2010
Basic Catechist Course
North
South
Central
Suburban
East
2003
25
20
13
45
20
2004
40
25
20
20
20
2005
18
25
15
31
49
2006
12
30
22
20
20
2007
38
20
7
17
32
2008
25
20
12
23
12
2009
23
21
12
19
0
2010
22
20
10
21
10
203
181
111
196
163
Intermediate Catechist Course
North
South
Central
Suburban
East
2003
45
20
20
20
0
2004
50
25
31
36
20
2005
25
40
25
25
33
2006
34
25
20
35
34
2007
13
25
15
20
16
2008
23
20
12
22
13
2009
15
16
9
26
20
2010
17
15
12
23
0
222
186
144
207
136
31
2001 - 2011
APPENDIX III
Renewal Days North
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Schools attended
32
32
31
30
30
30
29
29
No. of Teachers attended
388
311
416
359
293
286
256
245
Renewal Days South
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Schools attended
31
39
40
31
32
32
32
32
339
366
349
352
403
398
395
329
Schools attended
31
32
31
32
8
32
31
31
242
238
259
243
79
233
229
234
Renewal Days East
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Renewal Days Central Suburban
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
32
Schools attended
28
28
28
28
28
28
28
28
286
231
240
314
330
312
309
310
APPENDIX IV
Catechesis
Theology
Methodology
The Role of the Catechist/ Teacher
What is Faith?
Getting ready to teach
The Ministry of Catechesis
The Heart of Spirituality: God’s call
and our response
Know how to motivate your
students
Teaching can enrich our spiritual life
Who is your God?
Class Management
The Emmaus Journey: Model for
Catechesis
Jesus, the Son of God
Telling a Story
Twelve Gifts Catechists/ Teachers need
The Holy Spirit
Asking Questions
Jesus - The Master Catechist / Teacher
Understanding and using the Bible
Promoting creativity
Prayer, the key to Catechesis/ Teaching
Christian Morality
Using visual aids
Teaching about God
The History of the Church
Involving your students in
activities
Understanding the students you teach
The need for Social Justice and the
preservation of the environment
Encourage creative dramatics
33
CATHOLIC
EDUCATION BOARD
OF MANAGEMENT
To Ensure Excellence
Introduction
The Catholic Education system in the Archdiocese of
Port of Spain was praised by Blessed John Paul 11 in
his homily at the Eucharistic Celebration during his
visit to Trinidad and Tobago in 1985. The Church has
been involved in some form of education, essentially
catechetics, through the Capuchin missionary activities
of the Spanish colonial era (1498-1797). The Church has
been a pioneer in primary education since the last days of
slavery. Its involvement in secondary education can be
traced to the opening of St. Joseph’s Convent in Port of
Spain in 1836. This convent is the first girls’ secondary
school in the Antilles Episcopal Conference.
The widespread expansion of primary schools in the
Archdiocese in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
required the establishment of an organisation to administer
the schools. In 1934, Archbishop John Pius Dowling OP
founded the Catholic Education Board of Management
(CEBM).
A constitution and rules for CEBM, which governed the
organisation for many years until the 1960s, was approved
by Archbishop Dowling on 12 September 1939. CEBM
was incorporated on 26 March 1992. This non-profit body
corporate is limited by guarantee, legally empowered to
administer and/or manage educational establishments that
are owned, operated or in any way affiliated to the Roman
Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain.
The Catholic education system is run by the CEBM and a
number of religious orders and congregations. Primary and
secondary schools are either government assisted and/or
34
2001 - 2011
C
E
B
M
privately run. They are either single-sex or co-educational
schools. The secondary schools are largely single-sex
institutions. Relations with the State are governed by the
provisions of the Concordat (1960) and the Education Act
(1966).
CEBM is the legal and official body, representing the
Archbishop and/or Archdiocese in the management of
the Diocesan schools, both primary and secondary, which
are Government assisted. CEBM’s relations with the
constitutionally appointed Teaching Service Commission,
involves the recommendation of teachers for appointment,
transfer and promotion in the Teaching Service. CEBM
has been considered and is accepted as a key stakeholder
of the Ministry of Education. Relations are always on
going between the CEBM and the many divisions and
departments of the Ministry in the running of our many
schools.
These key departments are the Department of Human
Resources, the Division of Schools’ Supervision, the
Office of the Chief Education Officer, the Permanent and
Deputy Secretaries, the Students’ Support Services and
the Division of Curriculum Development.
CEBM is the Diocesan body that liaises with the Education
Facilities Company Limited (EFCL) with respect to the
repairs, maintenance and upgrade of school property.
CEBM directly manages, its single secondary private
school, St. Joseph’s College, through the AEBM and
the School’s SMAC. (The work of these bodies will be
described subsequently).
TABLE OF SCHOOL DATA
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE – 2011
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
CEBM (DIOCESAN)
PRIMARY
GOV’T
ASSISTED
SECONDARY
PRIVATE
119
VOCATIONAL
GOV’T
ASSISTED
PRIVATE
5
1
3
HOLY GHOST FATHERS (SPIRITANS)
HOLY FAITH SISTERS
2
CORPUS CHRISTI CARMELITES
1
DOMINICAN SISTERS
1
2
3
2
1
1
DOMINICAN FATHERS
2
CLUNY SISTERS (SJC)
4
ETERNAL LIGHT COMMUNITY
TOTAL
PRIVATE
1
119
6
17
4
2
Archbishop’s Call for
Revitalisation of Catholic
Education
Reorganisation of CEBM: 2001- 2011
(a)
From the very beginning of his tenure, Archbishop
Gilbert made the revitalisation of Catholic education a
primary area of focus. It has been his mission to foster
closer collaboration among the various Church agencies
that have been involved in education for decades, at the
different school levels. Above all, it was his stated objective
to bring Diocesan schools, both primary and secondary
under the ambit of the CEBM, whose operations had been
at the primary level. The schools continue to be key in the
Church’s thrust in evangelisation, as they have been since
the 19th century.
The Board of Directors - CEBM
A major achievement has been the reorganisation of
CEBM.
By 2005, a new Board of Directors was appointed
that reflected CEBM’s broader areas of responsibility,
both primary and secondary. The CEBM’s increased
involvement at secondary level was made moreso through
the departure of the Presentation Brothers after decades of
sacrifice and service at their two colleges.
In 2003, Mrs Hazel Reis, retired Principal of St Joseph’s
Convent, St Joseph, was appointed the Episcopal Delegate
for Education and Chairman of CEBM. Mrs Reis is the
first lay-person and woman to hold these posts. Moreover,
her duties dictated that she assumed her posts fulltime at
CEBM.
In 2005, CEBM bade farewell to two key stalwarts, Sr
Catherine-Therese McComie OP, Secretary of CEBM and
Ms Joyce Smith, after many years of service.
35
In 2011, the Board of Directors reflects the growth of
CEBM over the past decade. Directors come from both
the primary and secondary sectors, the vicariate managers
of the primary schools, the legal profession and the
Presidents of two key Catholic education organisations the Catholic Teachers’ Association and the Association of
Principals of Catholic Schools.
Following is a list of Directors of CEBM for 2011:
Archbishop Edward J. Gilbert CSsR
Ex Officio
CEBM has recently had its bye-laws approved. The Board
relocated to new offices at 34B Belmont Circular Road in
April 2011, moving from Catholic Centre, Independence
Square, Port of Spain.
A major activity of CEBM has been the formulation of
policies to govern its operations. The following is a list of
such policies:
YEAR
TITLE
2004
Whither Catholic Education? - A discussion
paper
2004
AEBM Constitution
2004
SMAC Constitution
Mr Errol Jaikaransingh
President, Association of Principals of Catholic Schools
2004
Crime and Violence – Guidelines for
Catholic Schools
Mr Chris Metivier
President, Catholic Teachers’ Association
2005
Mrs Mennen Walker-Briggs
Director, Primary Division and Decentralisation
Policies and Procedures Relating to Sexual
Misconduct
2006
Role of Parish Priest as Manager of RC
Primary School
2009
Process for the Disestablishment of a
Catholic School
2009
Policy on the Use of Properties owned and
managed by CEBM
2011
Guidelines for the holding of fetes and other
fund-raising activities
Mrs Hazel Reis
Episcopal Delegate and Chair
Sr Juliet Rajah CHF
Directress of Catechetics
Mrs Merle John
Vicariate Manager
Mrs Jennifer Mahabir
Vicariate Manager
Mr Kirk Nancoo
Attorney at Law
Ms Lisa Fulchan
Attorney at Law
Dr Bernard Tappin
Corporate Secretary.
36
2001 - 2011
(b)
CEBM Offices
With decentralisation, CEBM operates through the following offices:
CEBM Head Office: 34B Belmont Circular Road, Belmont
Tel. No. 623 2302
Fax No.
624 8940
E-mail
[email protected]
Mrs Hazel Reis
Episcopal Delegate for Education and Chair CEBM
Tel. No.
623 4602
290 1691
Mrs Mennen Walker-Briggs
Director, Primary Division
Tel. No.
290 1690
Mrs Marlene Bhawanie
Assistant to the Delegate
Mr Colin Chambers
Administrative Assistant
Mr Anton Lewis
Accounts Clerk
NORTHERN VICARIATE
VICARIATE OFFICE:
CEBM Head Office
Tel. No. 290 1687
Mrs Merle John
Vicariate Manager
Mrs Juditha Fitzwilliam
School Monitor
EASTERN VICARIATE
VICARIATE OFFICE:
Malabar RC Church,
Subero Street, Malabar, Arima.
Tel. No. 290 1688
Mrs Jennifer Mahabir
Vicariate Manager
Mr Saheed Khan
School Monitor
CENTRAL/SUBURBAN VICARIATE
VICARIATE OFFICE:
Catholic Centre
1 Rene Street, Chaguanas.
Tel. No. 290 1686
Mrs Aurea Honore
Vicariate Manager
Mrs Barbara Ann Barrington
School Monitor
SOUTHERN VICARIATE
VICARIATE OFFICE:
Pastoral Centre
14 Alice Street, La Romaine.
Tel. No. 290 1689
Mrs Annette Hunte-Lessey
Vicariate Manager
Mrs Ermine Moffett
School Monitor
37
CEBM - Primary
One of the significant successes of CEBM during
the Episcopacy of Archbishop Gilbert has been the
decentralisation of the primary school sector using the
Vicariate structure of 2005.
Pre-dating the arrival of Archbishop Gilbert, CEBM had
been paying ever-closer attention to its very large number
of primary schools. The Catholic Church is responsible for
the largest number of denominational primary schools in
the country (119). These schools are the fruits of the hard
work of more than 175 years by Parish Priests/Managers,
both secular and religious (especially the Dominican
Fathers); by religious sisters (the Cluny Sisters) and by
a majority of laypersons who have all served as teachers
and school leaders.
Catholic primary schools are to be found in nearly all
parishes and they span the length and breadth of the twinislands from Delaford to Cedros. The Archdiocese can
take pride in the nation-wide geographic presence of its
schools.
CEBM has been very centralised in its operations since its
founding, with offices in Port of Spain. This is a pattern
similar to the Ministry of Education, which was established
in 1951, to replace the Department of Education. There
have been repeated calls over the years to decentralise the
country’s education system, which is yet to be realised.
The task of administering and monitoring the performance
of the 119 schools has been an increasingly onerous one,
given the scarcity of personnel to do the job effectively.
For years there were only four persons working full time
to administer our schools - a fact so easily lost in the eyes
of the Church community.
The justifiable demands for change and improvements
to the Catholic primary school system have been
consistent and increasingly vocal among internal Church
stakeholders. Catholic education was a key issue in the
planning of the Synod 2000 process, which was realised
on August 2003 and subsequent sessions.
38
2001 - 2011
The CEBM has been reorganised having implemented
the process of decentralisation with the establishment of
Vicariate Boards of Management operating out of offices
at vicariate locations. Vicariate managers were appointed
by the Archbishop in October 2007.
To assist the vicariate managers, monitors for each vicariate
were appointed in 2009 to assist in the all-important visits
to schools. Mrs Merle John has the responsibility of the
two CEBM primary schools in Tobago. The Southern
Vicariate was without a monitor until September 2011.
Vicariate managers have been active in keeping closer
contact with their respective vicars and parish priest/
managers and to work in solidarity with them to bring
about desired changes in the system. Vicariate managers
are encouraged to make at least two school visits a term,
interfacing with school principals and staff, and reporting
back to CEBM head office once a month to share
experiences and solutions to the range of issues needed
to be addressed. Interviews for promotional posts also
now take place at the vicariate level rather than at Head
Office, with each vicariate having a panel with expertise
in education and other related fields.
In 2007, with the assistance of a change management
team provided by the Vicar for Administration, the
CEBM through its decentralised system has enhanced the
process of monitoring and coaching of staff, sharing best
practices, providing counsel, conducting staff retreats,
promoting staff development, upgrading teacher skills,
and in general, charting the performance of our primary
schools. Since 2005, the CEBM’s presence through
school visitations has been on going and critical. The goal
is always the enhanced performance of our schools.
A key development in the decentralisation process is the
closer collaboration between CEBM and the Catechetical
Office. CEROs work closely with Vicariate managers in
assisting our schools in the challenging times of enhancing
the faith communities of our schools.
A major success for CEBM since January 2010, after two
years of negotiations, is having the Ministry of Education
pay the electricity bills of the primary schools. The
Chair, Mrs Reis, working closely with the Association of
Denominational Boards (ADBE) was largely instrumental
for this critical ministerial support. The rising cost of
electricity was posing a serious financial burden on the
Chancery and the parishes.
It must be clearly noted that CEBM has been operating
a full-time office for decades. It is virtually the Church’s
own “Ministry of Education”. Through this office, the
often unappreciated mundane operational activities take
place. These activities include the disbursement of grants
to principals as well as salaries for the cleaners at our
schools. CEBM could not operate without the key support
of its full-time staff, Mr Colin Chambers and Mr Anton
Lewis. These two gentlemen have given faithful service
in ensuring the smooth running of our primary schools.
Mrs Marlene Bhawanie, Assistant to the Delegate, has
proven to be an asset to CEBM in its daily operations.
The task of CEBM is a large one. The Strategic Plan 2011 –
2015, facilitated by Justice Annestine Sealey, Chairperson
of the post Synod 2009 Committee re Resolution 7 on
Catholic Education is yet another key initiative in the
long, but determined efforts to enhance the performance
and status of our schools. “The harvest indeed is great, but
the labourers are few”. The vision is always to ensure the
excellence of our education system.
Each Diocesan college was run generally by individual
Boards of Management; the Presentation Brothers had
one Board for their two schools. In 2003, in the wake of
the Synod session that year, the Episcopal Delegate was
charged with the responsibility of bringing all Diocesan
Secondary schools under one umbrella. As a result, AEBM
was born at its first meeting on 19 November 2003.
The directors of AEBM were formally appointed by the
Archbishop on 23 June 2004. Subsequently, a Constitution
for AEBM was duly written and approved to govern its
operations and its schools. A major feature of the AEBM
constitution is the set agendas and dates for meetings.
Meetings are held at least once per term on the first
Thursday of the following months:
October:
February: for the presentation of audited accounts of
public and private funds; and
May:
The Archdiocesan Education Board
of Management – AEBM
The Archdiocese has emerged within the last 10 years
as a key player among the Catholic secondary school
sector, with the largest number of schools. The Diocese’s
involvement began at Belmont Boys’ Secondary School
as an Intermediate School run by the de la Salle Christian
Brothers in 1924. St Benedict’s College was specially
opened as a Diocesan school in 1956 by Dom Basil
Matthews OSB.
In 2002, with the departure of the Presentation Brothers,
the Diocese took responsibility for their two colleges
at Chaguanas and San Fernando. St Joseph’s College
(Private) has been a Diocesan venture since its founding
by Fr Kevin Devenish CSSp in 1960. Matelot Community
College blossomed from the vision of Sr Rosario Hackshaw
CHF in 1983 to cater for the needs of her primary school
graduates.
for the presentation of projects and
assessment of external examination results;
for the presentation of programmes for the
development of staff and the curriculum.
To facilitate the Principal of each school, a School
Management and Administrative Committee (SMAC) was
established (based partly on the Ministry’s Local School
Board Model). Success has been varied among the various
SMACs over the past six years. A new Constitution has
been completed in 2011. The new committee is essentially
a body of qualified persons from the respective school
communities to give support, advice and assistance to the
principal in the performance of his/her many tasks. The
SMACs all remain under the purview of the AEBM.
Over the past few years, the AEBM has had cause to
celebrate the achievements of its schools. Our Catholic
colleges play a leading role in the country’s education
system, thanks in part to the bringing together of our six
secondary schools under one Board.
39
CEBM - Secondary
The Catholic Church lays claim to being the pioneer in the
expansion of secondary education in the country, beginning
in the 1940s. Taking the lead was Archbishop Finbar
Ryan OP. Many a secondary school was the brainchild
of a parish priest, concerned deeply over the needs of his
people. Generally, religious communities administered
the schools. It was in the context of expanding Catholic
secondary education that the Holy Faith Sisters and the
Presentation Brothers came from Ireland.
Passing of the Education Act of 1996 required the
appointment of Boards of Management for all the
Government assisted schools, which were designated
also as public schools. The establishment of the Teaching
Service Commission and the provisions of the Concordat
of 1960 further pressured the religious institutes to have
functioning Boards of Management for their respective
schools.
In 2011, there are six Boards of Management administering
(17) assisted Secondary schools run by the Cluny Sisters,
the Holy Ghost Fathers, the Holy Faith Sisters, the
Dominican Sisters, the Dominican Fathers as well as the
Archdiocese of Port of Spain.
There has been need for the Catholic secondary school
sector to collaborate more closely among themselves.
The Code of Canon Law §806 places responsibility on
a Bishop for the schools in his Diocese. It also guides
the relationship between the Diocese and institutes of
pontifical rights working in the said Diocese.
The need to foster closer relations between the Boards
running the schools was enhanced in 2000 when the
religious superiors were appointed as Directors of CREDI,
which was created by an Act of Parliament. Relations were
further nurtured by the hosting of a conference in January
2003 by the Holy Ghost Fathers at St. Mary’s College on
“The Challenges and Issues in Catholic Education, the
Trinidad and Tobago Context”.
40
2001 - 2011
With the appointment of Archbishop Gilbert, a new and
deliberate effort was made to bring the Catholic secondary
school sector together, with one voice. The Catholic
Education Board of Management (Secondary) held its
first meeting on 20 May 2003. At a subsequent meeting
between representatives of the Boards of Management
and the Archbishop on 14 October 2003, the terms of
reference of CEBM (Secondary) were clarified.
The CEBM (Secondary) was formed in response to strong
concerns expressed both during and before Synod 2003
regarding education. As a result, Archbishop Gilbert
mandated the creation of the new Board. The Archbishop
further saw the need for the Church to come together on
the matter of education, given its considerable investment
and expertise. His concern was to re-Catholicise the
school system. He made it clear that he had no intention
to lay claim over the rights and duties of the other Boards
of Management.
The CEBM (Secondary) has been meeting consistently
since its formation. Meetings are held once per term and
common issues affecting the schools are openly discussed.
Best practices are also shared by the various Boards. The
call for each Board to have their own Constitution has not
been yet realised.
Indeed, the establishment and functioning of the CEBM
(Secondary) has been a major achievement. Thanks to the
persistence of the Delegate for Education, who chairs the
body, as well as cooperation by the religious institutes.
The Association of Principals of
Catholic Schools - APCS Formation of the Association of Principals of Catholic
Schools is one of the major achievements of Archbishop
Gilbert - an integral part of his vision to unify and to
strengthen Catholic education. APCS aims at providing
a forum to support, promote and improve the status of
principals of all Catholic schools, as well as to enhance
the cause of Catholic education generally.
The origin of APCS can be traced to the first meeting of the
newly installed Archbishop and his principals at Curepe
on 16 October 2001. After lengthy and fruitful discussion,
a committee was formed to draw up a Constitution for an
emerging association.
The committee was led by Fr Ronald Mendes CSSp and
included:
• Sr Phyllis Wharfe SJC, (Secretary), Principal, St.
Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando
• Sr Jean Devenish-Huggins, Principal, St. Joseph’s
Convent, Scarborough
• Ms Thora Best, Principal, Rose Hill RC Primary
Association has been an appropriate forum for dealing
with a myriad of education issues as well as efforts and
plans to enhance the Catholic education system.
The task of furthering Catholic education is an ongoing one. APCS in its short history has become a key
organisation in the Catholic education landscape. This is
a tribute to the foresight of the Archbishop and the hard
work and endeavour of the APCS executive members,
principals and the Chair and members of CEBM
(especially the Vicariate Managers).
• Mr Gabriel Cumbermack, Principal, Arima Boys’
RC
• Mr Gerard Franklyn, Scarborough RC Primary.
The Constitution of the Association was adopted
and ratified in the presence of the Archbishop on 20
November 2002 at a Curepe meeting and an executive
elected. To provide the philosophical underpinnings of
the Association, Sr Phyllis Wharfe produced in 2002, a
paper entitled, The Ethos of the Catholic School.
The energy generated in the formation of the Association
soon waned and it was on the insistence of Mrs Reis, and
Dr Bernard Tappin that APCS was given the necessary
impetus to function more effectively. A meeting of the
Association was held, again at Curepe, on 15 January
2004, during which a new executive was elected, led by
Mr Simon Rostant, Principal of Presentation College,
Chaguanas. At this meeting, principals responded to
the Archbishop’s call for participation in the Diocesan
Conversation on Crime and Violence. The many
suggestions and proposals were collated and received by
Mrs Reis and Dr Tappin and subsequently published by
APCS as Guidelines for Catholic Schools (2004).
Simon Rostant and his team nursed APCS from 20042006, seeking to establish networking among principals
- building a sense of purpose and belonging at the same
time. Attendance at meetings was excellent.
In 2006, Errol Jaikaransingh, Principal of Presentation
College, San Fernando, and his executive team assumed
the leadership of APCS. The association had firmly
established a pattern of term meetings. Attendance of
principals of primary schools is generally better. The
The Catholic Teachers’ Association
The “grand old dame” of the Catholic education system
is the Catholic Teachers’ Association (CTA), which
is currently in the process of becoming more vibrant.
Established in 1934 by Archbishop Dowling OP, its
heyday was during the tenure of Archbishop Finbar Ryan
OP. He saw the CTA as an important part of his strategy in
building up Catholic education. Archbishop Ryan virtually
wrote the Constitution of 1940, which placed him as the
head of the organisation.
For many decades, the CTA played a significant role in
both the social and professional lives of its members. It
had an effective island-wide structure, which organised a
number of varied professional developmental activities for
its members such as lectures, seminars and competitions
in public speaking and sport. These activities made a big
contribution towards raising the professional pride and
self-confidence of Catholic teachers. The membership
of the CTA remained almost exclusively among primary
school teachers.
The CTA has stood the test of time and continues to
play its part in Catholic education, especially through its
Annual Teachers’ Convention. The organisation is yet to
bring teachers from the secondary school sector fully on
board. The CEBM, through the vicariate managers gives
on-going support. The recent appointment of Fr Arnold
Francis as Spiritual Director for Catholic Teachers has
been a significant development. A new executive led by
Chris Metivier, Principal of Malabar R.C. Primary School,
seeks to promote a range of activities aimed at enhancing
41
the status of the teachers in all Catholic schools. The CTA
still has a key role to play in the ever-changing education
system.
The CTA has been an important member of the Caribbean
Association of Catholic Teachers (CACT).
It hosted the biennial conference of CACT at Emmaus
Centre, Arima, in 2006. CTA members attended the CACT
conferences in Grenada in 2008 and in Dominica in 2010.
In 2012 CTA members look forward to attending the
next CACT conference in Jamaica. Two CTA executive
members currently sit on the executive of CACT.
CEBM and the ASSOCIATION of
DENOMINATIONAL BOARDS of
EDUCATION (ADBE)
The Concordat of 1960 determines Church/State relations
in education. The ADBE was formed to safeguard the
provisions of this agreement as well as to have a common
platform when Boards interface with the Teaching Service
Commission and the Ministry of Education, concerning
primary and secondary schools and ECCE Centres.
42
2001 - 2011
through the ADBE. On-going discussions with the State
concerning a new Concordat are under the aegis of the
ADBE. It is to be noted, however, that each Board of
Management continues to interface with State agencies as
separate legal entities as each sees fit.
The work of the ADBE complements the activities of the
Association of Principals of Assisted Secondary Schools
(APASS) which has been successfully championing
the cause of denominational secondary schools for
decades. Principals of Catholic secondary schools have,
by convention, led APASS; these included Bro Michael
Samuel, Mrs Elizabeth Crouch and Fr Ronald Mendes
over the past decade.
As the long established organisation managing Catholic
education, CEBM continues to ensure the Church is a
major partner in education in Trinidad and Tobago. CEBM
has sought to work harmoniously, to exchange ideas
and to present a united front with other denominational
boards, without compromising the beliefs and practices
of our Catholic tradition.
COLLABORATION BETWEEN CEBM AND
ARCHDIOCESAN DEPARTMENTS
CEBM has always played a pivotal role in the organisation.
Religious institutes that manage schools are also members
of the ADBE. Some seven Catholic Boards of Management
belong to the association. Moreover, representatives have
served as key officers. Clive Borely from the Cluny Board
and the Archdiocesan Board of Management served for
years as President, with Sr Catherine Thérèse Mc Comie
as Secretary. Fr Ronald Mendes CSSp for the Holy Ghost
Fathers (Spiritan) is President, with Hazel Reis, Chairman
of CEBM, as Treasurer.
CEBM has worked closely over the past decade with
many Archdiocesan departments. CEBM primarily
facilitates them by seeking the necessary permission from
the Ministry of Education for Catholic organisations to
conduct their programmes in our schools, during school
time. CEBM also informs principals and schools of these
proposed approved programmes. Officers of CEBM are
often present and participate in many of these activities.
The ADBE meets monthly to deal with the myriad of
issues that Boards face, such as staffing, school repairs
and funding. The ADBE was able to have the Ministry of
Education pay the electricity bills for the primary schools.
The memoranda of understanding between individual
Boards and the Ministry with respect to school repairs/
building and ECCE Centres were collectively negotiated
CEBM has worked closest with the Catechetical
Department. The personal office of the Delegate was
housed with those of the Catechetical Commission from
2003 to April 2011. The Directress of Catechetics is a
director of CEBM. Both Sr Columba Byrne, CHF and
Sr Juliet Rajah, CHF have readily informed the CEBM
of their programmes, giving perceptive insights into
our schools’ operations. CEROs from the Catechetical
Office visit our schools where they directly interface with
teachers and conduct training programmes. CEROs often
jointly visit schools with vicariate managers and monitors.
Permission for the Annual Days of Renewal is sought by
the Delegate from the Ministry of Education.
The Catechetical department provides the necessary
programmes for the enhancement of faith for both our
teachers and our students. CEBM salutes the Catechetical
Office for the necessary and critical publication of texts on
religious education for use in our primary and secondary
schools. Indeed, the proposal of the Youth sub-committee
of Assembly ’77 to have suitable textbooks once more in
our Catholic schools, has at last, been tangibly realised.
Implementation of the Values and Virtues Post SEA
programme in Catholic primary schools in 2009 closely
involved the CEBM and its sister departments. CEBM
worked with the Catechetical Office, the Family Life
Commission, the Catholic Commission for Social
Justice, the Youth Ministry and the Commission for
Evangelisation. This coming together of various groups
in the Archdiocese signalled a new collaborative ministry
espoused by the Archbishop and which is expected to
grow in the post-Synod period.
duly approved by the Ministry through CEBM, with its
implementation monitored and reviewed. The “Values
and Virtues” programme has been well established over
the past three years.
This programme has grown beyond Post-SEA and it
is necessarily being fully integrated into the religious
education texts, now being reviewed by the Catechetical
Office.
CEBM has always developed close links with the Catholic
News. Our weekly diocesan newspaper often publicises
advertisements, news reports and articles concerning
CEBM’s work through which the wider Church is
informed.
CEBM also has links with CREDI. Our relations are
governed by a Memorandum of Clarification of 2 March
2010 from the Archbishop of Port of Spain. CEBM
continues to facilitate CREDI’s requests for the conduct
of the school practicum by CREDI students who teach at
CEBM schools.
The Post-SEA “Values and Virtues” programme has its
origin in the call of Archbishop Gilbert in January 2007,
through the Catholic News, for a return to virtuous living
by the faithful. This appeal was made against a background
of moral and spiritual decadence in a society riddled by
crime and violence.
CEBM has also been involved in Archdiocesan activities.
Its leadership has been present and has made the necessary
interventions at the three sessions of Synod. Requested
data and reports have always been forthcoming from
CEBM. Regrettably, CEBM has had no direct personal
representation on the Synod Implementation Team (SIT),
although Catholic education is a key area of focus in the
post-Synod era.
With Standard Five students in the Post-SEA classes often
having more time and often having no fully structured plan
of instruction, it was decided to tailor a programme for
them. The “Values and Virtues” programme takes place
in the third term of the academic year (April to July). It
has been carefully organised, with instructional materials
for both teachers and students; with sessions for teachers
CEBM enthusiastically facilitated the programmes of the
Diocesan Eucharistic Congress in 2005. At short notice,
Catholic principals and their teams organised vicariate
sessions at a number of locations. Schools across the
Archdiocese attended these sessions in their numbers.
CEBM again displayed its versatility to serve in the
interest of the propagation of the faith.
43
Conclusion
•
Appointment of a full-time Episcopal Delegate for
Education and the first female to hold the post –
2003.
The past decade has been an interesting and challenging
one for CEBM - a period of change and growth. CEBM
looks with pride on our major achievements:
•
Removal of CEBM to new offices – 2011.
•
•
Education at sessions of Synod 2002 - 2009 and
continuing.
Decentralisation of the primary school sector with the
appointment of a Director, four Vicariate Managers,
four School Monitors and the establishments of three
Vicariate Offices – 2007.
CEBM has always enjoyed the fullest support and ready
advice of Archbishop Edward Gilbert during his entire
time in office - all based on his desire to revitalise Catholic
education.
•
Formation of the Association of Principals of Catholic
Schools (APCS) – 2002.
•
Establishment of the Archdiocesan Education Board
of Management (AEBM) and School Management
and Administrative Committees for the six diocesan
secondary schools – 2004.
Through CEBM’s policies, processes and structures, it
has positioned itself to continue the Church’s essential
mission - “to go forth, teach and baptise”.
•
Establishment of the Catholic Education Boards of
Management (Secondary) - a forum for CEBM and
religious institutes that operate schools – 2003.
Dr Bernard Tappin
Corporate Secretary Cebm
Port of Spain
44
2001 - 2011
COMMISSION FOR
RELIGIOUS
United in Prayer to Serve Others
The history of the Church in Trinidad and Tobago has
been blessed by leadership with vision, sensitivity and
magisterium which served as a stable platform in changing
times.
Your Grace, the Most Rev Archbishop Edward J. Gilbert,
you have been that model, champion and visionary who
has led us - the Religious in the Archdiocese of Port of
Spain - confidently, sincerely and generously journeyed
with your flock as you encouraged us “to remain visible
together as Church, as far as this was possible, to help
build the future of the Catholic Church in Trinidad and
Tobago.”
The position of Episcopal Delegate for Religious began on
1 August 2001 as your creation and with my appointment
to the post which continued for two consecutive terms: 1
August 2001 and 27 October 2006.
We thank you for your confidence and we thank you for
the initiative. We thank you for your love and concern
for others.
THE FIRST MEETING
At our first meeting, approximately 200 religious were
present. The Archbishop opened with a prayer, following
which he gave a brief address and entertained ideas. There
was much sharing and listening. All present experienced
excitement in anticipation that this and continued meetings
would be the pivot of change and an opportunity for the
infusion of the Spirit.
At the end of the meeting our vision was to follow Christ
and witness to his values: our mission was to seek to be
present as Church among the poor and marginalised; to
offer prayer support to those in leadership as well as to
collaborate to achieve the Gospel values.
THE MOVE FORWARD
From its inception - the ethos and modus was left to
the religious, whose contributions saw to the successful
expansion and incorporation of a Commission for
Religious, various committees, greater bonding,
deepening of our prayer life, celebrations and assemblies,
youth focus, workshops and many other undertakings that
made us proud of our achievements.
As the Episcopal Delegate, I represented the Religious on
the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council.
With the stated goals to be of service in areas of need and
to witness as One Body, we were able to grow, strengthen
and support one another and work together to build the
Catholic Church in Trinidad and Tobago.
To strengthen our bond we met four times annually. Your
Grace, you have been present always at those functions
and events, which include Vita Consecrata; World Day of
Prayer for Vocations; Events for Spiritual upliftment and
in December for dialogue; various forms of entertainment
as well as the usual Christmas Luncheon sponsored by
yourself – your unique way of expressing thanks.
COMMISSION
On the advice of the Archbishop, a Commission was
established to share the responsibilities as follows:
• Sr Juliet Rajah CHF
• Sr Sandra Xavier OP
• Sr Jean Devenish SJC
• Sr Adriana, Noel O.Carm
The Commission was directly responsible for the planning
of all activities.
45
VISIBILITY
Your Grace this key word underpinning your very
challenging, informative and varied message seemed to
have been aimed at promoting visibility and future growth
among religious.
With your advice we, the religious of the Archdiocese,
published the Directory for Religious to inform the public
on the spirituality, charism and social outreach of each
order/ congregation (2004-2005). Sincere thanks for the
data provided by the priests, sisters and brothers.
While the distinct character of each is to be noted, the
commonality of love and service to Holy Mother Church
is evident in them all.
Prayer and meditation is the life-blood of every religious
order/congregation and, therefore, every sister, every
monk.
At the Dominican Rosary Monastery the sisters are fully
occupied in the contemplative way of life. They give
silent witness. They also wish to express their joy in the
service of God and his work in the Archdiocese.
This Directory is truly a collaborative effort of the
religious of the Archdiocese.
VITA CONSECRATA
Each year we celebrate Vita Consecreta. The venue
changed annually to ensure that each congregation/order
was represented, as well as to facilitate the enclosed
religious. The programme varied each year giving each
congregation/order an opportunity to use their creativity
and talent.
Our beloved Archbishop embraced every opportunity
to remind us that the key to living a full life is to grow
and continually develop a relationship with God, to be
aggressive in selling our image through zealousness of
our ministry to be visible.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
On the suggestion of the body of religious sisters we
agreed to include all vocations. We targeted single life,
married life, lay community, the Diocesan priesthood and
religious. On that day, seven priests concelebrated with
Msgr Christian Pereira as Chief Celebrant and homilist.
There were six presentations. The day was brought to a
close with Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament led
by Sr Claire Joseph SJC.
46
2001 - 2011
All age groups were present and the Day was prayer-filled
and informative. One Catholic youth remarked, “Today,
Sister, I know what makes each vocation different.”
Your Grace without your initiative and support our journey
together might not have begun. May God be praised. May
God continue to bless you.
YOUTH FOCUS
For us religious to remain visible, each congregation/
order agreed that we focus on our young people between
the ages of 12 and 17.
Theme: Rediscovering the Vocation to be Catholic.
The zealous Commission for Religious and outstanding
members of the parishes were very involved in a Parish
Quiz and School Debate Competition.
• Parish Quiz
All Parishes were invited to participate. The country was
divided into two zones: North-East and South-Central.
The team from St. John the Evangelist, Diego Martin
emerged as North-East finalist and Siparia’s La Divina
Pastora team the finalist from South-Central.
Overall winner of the Parish Quiz Competition was La
Divina Pastora. Congratulations to all who participated!
The young participants showed great enthusiasm
and demonstrated good knowledge of the faith. This
demonstrated good promise for the youth as well as the
future Church.
•
Debate Competition
The Commission for Religious introduced the programme
for the development of our youth in Catholic Schools.
We have done this in the belief that debate is one of the
great underpinnings of a democracy. Participating in,
and observing the Catholic Secondary Schools Debate,
also teaches our young adults important skills, which will
prove invaluable for our young leaders throughout their
lives.
The motions for the Catholic Youth Debate were Motion 1: “Be it resolved that Children who have been
exposed to violent patterns of behaviour will grow up
displaying violence when faced with difficult situations”.
Motion 2: “Be it resolved that materialism is destroying
family values”.
Some 21 Catholic secondary schools participated.
The three winners:
•
St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain
•
St. Charles High School, Tunapuna
•
St. Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando
VOCATIONS
The Archdiocese Vocation Promotion Committee, through
the leadership of the Archbishop, had formation of the
young as an Archdiocesan concern.
During a meeting with religious superiors in the
Archdiocese on 31 January 2006, vocation recruitment
was discussed. Abbot John Pereira OSB, served as Chair.
WORKSHOPS
A. 30 November 2001 and 1 December 2001
• Loving and Serving
• Celebrating Chapter and the Spirituality of
relationship
B. 20 January 2007 - Workshop on Vocation and
Formation was given by Fr Joseph Harris CSSp now
Coadjutor Archbishop of Port of Spain
C. Workshop entitled “Creating a Culture of Vocation”
was given by Sr Julie Peters OSF
D. 23 September 2006 - Workshop for Religious Sisters
and Brothers - “Globalisation and its Impact on
Religious Life and the Priesthood”
E. 20 October 2007 - Workshop “Social Justice” was
presented by Sr Roberta CHF
F. Workshop on “Crime and Violence” - presented by
Archbishop Gilbert
Present at that meeting were:
1. Abbot John Pereira OSB
2. Sr Adriana Noel O.Carm
3. Sr Thèrése Antoine OP
4. Sr Philip Geofroy SJC
5. Sr Dorothy Cavanas O.Carm
6. Sr Lucinda and Sr Maria Goretti - Missionaries of
Charity
7. Fr Derek Anton (Archdiocesan Vocation Committee
Chairman)
8. Sr Marie Young CHF
A Vocation Committee was established:
1. Sr Jean Tranel OP
Significant Dates/ Achievements
20 December 2003 Discussion on two questions:
(a) What is our Vision for Religious in the Archdiocese
of Port of Spain?
(b) What is our Mission for Religious in the
Archdiocese of Port of Spain?
Achieved Vision and Mission status.
16 November 2004
First meeting of Commission: Membership Five. Purpose:
Shared responsibility
2. Sr Marie Young CHF
3. Sr Phillip Geofrey SJC
September 2005
4. Fr Gerard Tang Choon O.Carm
The collaborative effort of Religious, Priests, Sisters and
Brothers was responsible for the production of the “Digest
for Religious Orders/Congregations” in observance of the
Year of the Eucharist.This Booklet aims to inform the
public on the Spiritual, Charism and social outreach of
each order/congregation. A revised edition is in progress.
This Core Team visited with the Archbishop for
communicating their progress.
47
2001 - 2011
2 February 2006
May 2008
Venue for the celebration of Vita Consecrata changed
permanently.
Official Secretary was appointed on the Commission - Sr
Jean Devenish SJC.
Location: Rosary Monastery, primarily to facilitate the
contemplative Dominicans
2008
The venue for Commission meetings changed from
Carmelite Convent (temporary venue) to a permanent
location - Catholic Chaplaincy, UWI, St. Augustine.
23 March 2006
The Religious Commission received two large challenge
trophies for future Debate Competitions, costing $600.00.
Donated by former Minister of Information Neil Parsanlal
and Mrs Gaynelle Holdip.
First ad hoc committee meeting, Archdiocesan Committee
for the Promotion of Religious Vocation.
Venue: Mt St Benedict.
Your Grace,
15 May 2006
You are indeed a Good Shepherd. Journeying with you
throughout the years has been spiritually uplifting.
Initial steps to design logo.
13 June – 8 August 2006
Rosary Nuns conducted radio
broadcast for nine weeks – nine presentations.
Established Committee with a membership of five.
United with one another, we now encompass a wider view
of interest, groups and associations which complement,
engender and promote our Catholic Faith and witness to
the humanity, peace, justice and tradition which is Roman
Catholic.
13 June 2007
If each were to express this, it would take volumes. Thank
you for the confidence you placed in us, the religious.
14 September 2006
Sr Adriana Noel O.Carm was appointed to represent the
Archdiocese on the Christian Council of Trinidad and
Tobago.
17 June 2007
Decisions:
(1) The ody of religious be given relevant information
shared at the Archdiocese Pastoral Council.
(2) Communities/Individuals e-mail information re
projects so the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
could become more aware on the involvement in
Church and community.
10 October 2007
The First Debate Competition for Catholic Secondary
Schools - Biennial promotion by the Religious of the
Archdiocese. Media Launch on 20/09/07.
48
On behalf of the Commission for Religious, the various
religious congregations, as well as religious brothers and
priests in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, I say heartfelt
thanks.
I also wish to thank the Benedictines, Carmelite Friars,
Corpus Christi Carmelites, Dominicans, Contemplative
Rosary Convent, Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine
of Sienna, Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Holy Faith
Sisters, Guadalupan Servants of Christ the Priest,
Fransalian Fathers, Spiritan Fathers, Jesuit Fathers,
Missionaries of Charity Sisters, Sisters of St. Joseph of
Cluny, Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother and Sons of Mary
Immaculate.
“Together we aspire, together we achieve.”
Most Reverend Archbishop Gilbert, you are indeed a
great leader and teacher.
May God bless you always.
20 October 2007
Sr Adriana Noel O.Carm
Mini Synod in preparation for Synod 2008.
Episcopal Delegate For Religious
SECTION III
Catholic Commission
for Social Justice
Catholic Media Services (Camsel)
Chancellor’s Department
Human Resources Department
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
‘The only way to build the future
of the Archdiocese of Port of
Spain is for the Archdiocese
to choose freely to live a
spirituality of solidarity that is
rooted in conversion, flows from
Communion and is sustained
by Eucharist. While there are
business dimensions to the life
of the Church, the Church is not
a business. It is the continuation
of Christ through history. Each
generation of believers has the
responsibility to confront the
challenges of its times and in
so doing to communicate the
teaching of the Lord and to
make the Church visible to the
Nation’ (Archbishop Edward Gilbert,
DEEPENING the Spirit of Solidarity in
the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, June
2007, 5).
49
2001 - 2011
CATHOLIC COMMISSION
FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Promoting the Common Good
It is with great love and respect for His Grace that the
members of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice
(CCSJ) submit this report of our stewardship since 2003,
under the extraordinary leadership of our Shepherd,
Archbishop Edward J. Gilbert CSsR who was appointed
Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain in 2001.
When he demits office in December, CCSJ will joyfully
support Coadjutor Archbishop Joseph Everard Harris
CSSp working with him to achieve the mission of the
Church.
It is worth noting that this report is being written in the year
in which the Catholic Church marks the 40th Anniversary
of the Synod of Bishops 1971 document, Justice in the
World. Arthur McCormack, a scholar of development and
population issues, said the 1971 Synod “put the theme of
justice and especially social justice and concern for this
world, into the very centre of the Church’s life.” One of
the most notable quotations from this important document
confirms McCormack’s opinion:
“Action on behalf of justice and participation in the
transformation of the world fully appear to us as a
constitutive dimension of the preaching of the gospel.”
(Justice in the World, 1971, a.6).
The Early Years
It is little wonder, therefore, that during the first sitting
of Synod in Trinidad and Tobago in 2003, there was a
cry from those gathered for Archbishop Gilbert to be the
clarion voice for justice for those who feel the brunt of
injustice in our society and further afield. This was one
of the Resolutions that emanated from that first sitting of
Synod.
50
Archbishop Gilbert acted immediately on it. To assist him
in the Archdiocese’s attempts to build a just society/world
and to pursue with vigour the social mission of the Church,
he appointed Leela Ramdeen, Attorney-at-Law and
Education Consultant, as Episcopal Delegate for Social
Justice and mandated her to establish a Commission to
assist her.
Individuals from various walks of life accepted Ms.
Ramdeen’s invitation to join the Commission and on
March 29, 2003, Archbishop Gilbert commissioned the
20 members of the Commission with Ms. Ramdeen as its
Chair.
One of the first tasks was to start building a team that
would work towards a common vision. Many hours were
spent refining the following vision and mission:
CCSJ’s Vision
We envision a transformed national/world community
where Justice, Peace and Love prevail, as divinely
ordained by God and which: ensures human rights, duties
and human dignity; celebrates diversity and promotes
equality, promotes the common good, respect for human
life and ecology justice.
Mission
To be a fearless united voice challenging injustice,
awakening social consciousness and fostering integral
development. We strive to do this through: Social justice
education and advocacy, promoting people-centred
development and working for the transformation of
inequitable structures and systems.
Leadership and Administration
On 2 September 2004, CCSJ was incorporated as a nonprofit making company. Our By-Laws are available on
our website.
In memory of Fr Michael Moses, it is fitting at this point
in our report to acknowledge his outstanding contribution
to CCSJ’s work. At the end of her three-year term (20032006), Leela Ramdeen tendered her resignation. Fr
Michael Moses was appointed Episcopal Vicar/Chair of
CCSJ on 2 March 2006.
During his tenure, Fr Moses, with the assistance of Selwyn
Bhajan, reviewed the operations of CCSJ and restructured
its priorities and activities. CCSJ members were involved
in a strategic retreat, facilitated by Bhajan, to plan the
way forward. Five major areas of focus were identified:
Sustainable Development and the Environment, National
issues - Education and Advocacy, Parish Link programme,
Values and Virtues programme, Trinidad and Tobago Reintegration Foundation.
In 2007, Fr. Moses resigned due to ill health. He passed
away on March 12, 2008. Clive Belgrave, CCSJ’s Vice-Chair, acted as Chair from
the date of Fr. Moses’ resignation until the appointment of
Leela Ramdeen as Chair once again - in December, 2008.
At the time of writing in 2011, there are eight members of
CCSJ, including the Chair, a Parish Link Coordinator and
five volunteers (see Appendix 1).
CCSJ thanks our Vice-Chair, Clive Belgrave, for his
sterling support from the inception of the Commission.
Communication is a key aspect of our work and Clive
continues to use his extensive knowledge and expertise in
this area to guide the Commission and to ensure that our
publications are of a high standard.
Establishment of Standing Committees
In 2003 - 2004
Once the Commission was established, the Chair sought
to harness the expertise and strengths of each member of
the Commission. Each member was asked to Chair/be a
member of a Standing Committee (SC). Each SC focused
on a particular aspect of Social Justice e.g. Poverty and
Social Exclusion, Prayer, Youth, including Youth-atRisk, Family Life and Community, Restorative Justice
and Post-Prison Support, Pro-Life issues, Health Care in
Trinidad and Tobago, Education on the Social Teachings
of the Church, Communications, Tobago SC, Research
SC etc. Three further SCs were created in 2004: Human
Development, Consumer Rights and Protection and The
Environment/Ecological Justice SC.
Appointment of Parish Link
Coordinator
Early in the life of the Commission, CCSJ appointed a
Parish Link Coordinator whose main task was to promote
the Commission’s objectives at parish level e.g. by
• establishing Social Justice Teams in parishes and
guiding them as they address social justice issues;
and
• educating the faithful about the social teachings of the
Church.
CCSJ’s First Major Project
CSSJ’s first major project was the Community Intervention
Transforming Youth (CITY) programme which began
in Gonzales, Port of Spain, in 2003 and which sought
to empower youths so that, as Fr Jason Gordon said:
“They will develop into better integrated adolescents and
acquire emotional stability and skills required to access
better education and jobs. This should ultimately alleviate
poverty and the temptation to turn to crime.”
Gonzales is an area adversely affected by crime, poverty
and social exclusion. Between January and June 2003,
there were seven murders and numerous shootouts. The
Central Statistical Office’s 2000 Census showed that 60%
of heads of households in Gonzales had no income and
that a growing number of heads of households were in the
15-19 years age range.
CCSJ partnered with Fr Jason (now Bishop for the
Dioceses of Bridgetown, Barbados and Kingstown, St
Vincent and the Grenadines) who was at that time Parish
Priest of St. Martin de Porres and Holy Rosary and
Director of the CITY. Activities included: Adolescent
Formation; CITY Internet Café; CITY Homework Clinic;
a Pre-School; Photography Club; the Necessary Arts
Programme; CITY Vacation Camps in 2004 and 2005 e.g.
a pre-teen camp, a music camp and a football camp; Gang
and Crisis intervention; Crime Prevention; Infrastructure
Projects and Village Revitalisation.
In 2004, the City Corporation and the Canadian Institute
of Planning joined forces with Fr Jason in an urbanisation
project for the Gonzales community entitled, Pride in
Gonzales. This was an excellent example of participatory
governance in which citizens in the area participated in
51
village meetings and had a say in the development of their
community. Other participants in the project included
government ministries and the business community.
Further details about this model for human development/
capacity building are available in CCSJ’s AGM reports
for 2004, 2005 and 2006 on the Commission’s website:
http://rcsocialjusticett.org
continue to establish outreach projects in parishes,
plan education programmes, share good practice,
empower and mobilise parishioners to walk with
the two feet of justice - works of mercy and social
action.
CCSJ’s Work within the Wider Context
of the Archdiocese
CCSJ is one of several Commissions/Departments in the
Archdiocese working towards the goal of proclaiming the
Gospel and transforming our communities/country/world
to reflect Gospel values.
Our Shepherd, Archbishop Gilbert has presided over
sittings of Synod 2003, 2005 and 2009. At the 3rd sitting
of the Synod in January 2009, the Archdiocese adopted a
Mission Statement and various Resolutions.
Three Pastoral Priorities were also adopted at that sitting:
The New Evangelisation; Revitalising Catholic Culture
and Identity and Regenerating the Moral and Spiritual
Values of our Society.
CCSJ has responsibility for taking a lead in implementing
the third Pastoral Priority, which comes into focus across
the Archdiocese in 2012/2013. As Archbishop Gilbert
said: “We must begin trying to reclaim the nation. The
first step in the reclaiming process is to concentrate on
values and recommit to virtuous living...The good people
have to work hard together to build a society on values/
virtuous living. They must give to the young an experience
of living with values and virtues.”
CCSJ’s Chair is a member of the Synod Implementation
Team - appointed by Archbishop Gilbert after the 3rd sitting
of Synod. She also reports to His Grace on CCSJ’s work
on a monthly basis. CCSJ holds annual general meetings,
and retreats are organised for members to support their
spiritual development.
52
CCSJ’s Newsletters (see our website), contains
examples of the work of PLCs e.g. in 2005 the PLC set
up Social Justice booths at parish harvests and family
days, to raise awareness of the social teachings of the
Church and to gather data/opinion from participants
on local and national needs and issues. 2. Framework
towards
an
Archdiocesan
Environmental Policy: On February 23, 2010,
Archbishop Gilbert launched this Framework which
was developed by CCSJ to fulfil Synod Resolution
#6 (under the 3rd Pastoral Priority - Regenerating the
Moral and Spiritual Values of our Society).
“Be it resolved that in keeping with the Catholic
position on creation, our families, schools and
parishes recognise our responsibility as stewards of
creation and express this in relevant tangible ways.”
It was widely circulated for consultation within the
Archdiocese. Three final documents are available on
CCSJ’s website as a guide for Catholics as we seek to
promote ecology justice.
3. Values and Virtues Formation Programme in RC
Primary Schools (V&VFP): This programme was
first introduced in 2007 for Post-SEA students. In
2010, a second edition of a more localised Students’
Workbook and a Teachers’ Guide (available on CCSJ’s
website) were produced by a Focus Group of teachers,
a principal and CCSJ’s Chair. An Archdiocesan CrossDepartmental Committee oversees the work of the
V&VFP.
Aspects of the current Students’ Workbook have been
incorporated in the Religious Education syllabus for
infants. From 2012, the Catechetical team, under the
leadership of Sr Juliet Rajah, will have responsibility
for this programme. CCSJ’s Chair will continue
to Chair the Archdiocesan Committee to facilitate
the development, monitoring and evaluation of the
Programme. Responsibility for this area of work will
remain with CCSJ.
RC Schools will be encouraged to work with parents
to instil in students Catholic values and virtues.
It is recognised that to promote integral human
The following is a summary of other key activities in
which CCSJ has been involved since its inception:
1. Parish Link Programme: CCSJ has had a number of
Parish Link Coordinators (PLCs) over the years and
has recently appointed Sr Christine Walcott OP to
this post. She will seek to work closely with parishes
and Vicariate coordinators. Her work at parish level
is critical if CCSJ is to educate the faithful and
motivate them to ‘see, judge, and act’ from a Catholic
perspective. Through this programme we will
2001 - 2011
development, Catholic Education must incorporate
in the teaching and learning process, character and
conscience formation based on Gospel values. 4. Respect for Life Week (RFLW): In seeking to
implement Synod Resolution 3a (under ‘Regenerating
the Moral and Spiritual Values of our Society’ Pastoral
Priority), CCSJ agreed to dedicate a week every year to
the theme: ‘Respect For Life’. CCSJ has responsibility
for organising activities for the week, which usually
involve commissions, departments, parishes, schools,
Catholic organisations and religious congregations.
Nicholls to establish a Wellness Programme in the
Archdiocese - entitled: Diabetes Self-Management
and Prevention. The programme was launched in
Assumption Parish Hall on Saturday 4 December
2010. The aim of the project is to: raise awareness
among the faithful of issues relating to diabetes;
empower people to manage their diabetes (Type 2),
and promote prevention strategies for those who may
be likely to get diabetes.
Activities to mark the first such week took place from
24 September – 3 October 2010. Plans are in train to
observe the 2nd such week from 12 – 19 November
2011. The following is a list of some of the activities
held during the week and material produced for the
week:
ü a seminar at which the late Sir Ellis Clarke
TC.GCMG was the feature speaker on the theme:
Our People, Our Land: Journey to becoming a
Republic. The proceedings were taped and copies
are available at CCSJ’s Office;
ü an interfaith service;
6. Rededication of Mary Care Centre:
On 29 June, His Grace rededicated Mary Care Centre
in Woodbrook. CCSJ has overall responsibility for
the work of the Centre, which is being run on behalf
of the Archdiocese by a Management Committee of
the Eternal Light Community (ELC). Mary Care Centre is a sanctuary for unmarried,
pregnant, young women. It was founded in 1980 by
the late Archbishop of Port of Spain Anthony Pantin,
in his concern for and commitment to the preservation
of life. The centre is a non-profit organisation funded
by donations from the private and public sector.
Objectives of Mary Care Centre are twofold: (1)
To provide a safe and secure environment for the
pregnant mother to give birth to her child, and (2) to
enable the young mother to be employable at the end
of her stay at the Centre.
Pro-life work remains a key aspect of CCSJ’s
work. CCSJ maintains links with e.g. The Society
for the Protection of Unborn Children, UK; Elliott
Institute, USA; Human Life International; Emmanuel
Community and Lawyers for Jesus in T&T. During
2010, CCSJ’s Chair participated in discussions on
radio and TV about pro-life issues e.g. abortion,
the death penalty etc. In 2007, CCSJ’s Chair and Fr
Leonard Alfonso from Barbados were guests on a onehour programme on EWTN, Atlanta. The programme
focused on pro-life issues in the Caribbean. Human
Life International sponsored the trip.
ü a four-page pull-out and articles in Catholic
News;
ü media release, calendar of events, and poster
relating to the week;
ü a prayer session for the grace to allow us to build
a culture of life;
ü TV appearances/programmes to raise awareness
of RFLW;
ü an interfaith panel discussion on the theme:
“Threats to Life and Opportunities to promote
‘integral human development’” (Pope Benedict
XVI);
ü a vigil;
ü youth leading Holy Hour in certain parishes;
ü activities in schools based on the theme; and
ü an interfaith procession and prayers around part
of the Queen’s Park Savannah.
5. CCSJ’s Wellness Programme: The promotion of
integral human development and the common good
requires that we create conditions that will allow
each person to realise his/her potential. As part of
this process and linked to CCSJ’s Respect for Life
thrust, the Commission is working with Dr Kenwyn
Dr Nicholls produced a paper for CCSJ, entitled “The
Diabetes Epidemic in TT: Attacking a Burdensome
Disease with Conventional Weapons” (see CCSJ’s
website) contains some frightening statistics about
the number of people with Type 2 diabetes in Trinidad
and Tobago (143,000+) and those who are prediabetic (102,000+). Participation in society is a key
social justice principle. Many people can’t participate
in society because they are ill and spend a lot of time
dealing with their illness. Integral human development
includes a concern to promote “wellness”.
53
CCSJ was represented at the 2008 Conference
organised by the Family Life Commission, entitled:
Created and Redeemed, which focused on Theology of
the Body. Christopher West was the feature speaker.
7. Morals and Values Standing Committee: This
Committee is Chaired by Prof Surendra Arjoon, UWI,
Senior Lecturer in Ethics and Decision Sciences,
Faculty of Social Sciences. Maria Diaz-James
coordinates the Committee’s work on a voluntary
basis.
Through the work of this Committee, CCSJ hopes to
implement Synod Resolution #1a: (Pastoral Priority
- Regenerating the Moral and Spiritual Values of our
Society)
Be it resolved that the Archdiocese develop a
comprehensive strategy to educate the People of
God in values and virtuous living, based on the rich
tradition of magisterial teaching and theological
heritage of the Catholic moral tradition.
Strategies to implement this Resolution:
8. Trinidad and Tobago Re-integration Foundation/
Anthony
Pantin
Re-integration
Centre
(TTRF/APRC): (Matthew 25:37 - I was in prison
and you visited me).
Our scriptures urge us to show concern for prisoners.
From its inception, CCSJ established a Standing
Committee “Restorative Justice and Post-Prison
Support” to raise public awareness of the value of a
Restorative Justice approach to enhance the criminal
justice system.
In November 2003, CCSJ hosted a Seminar at the
Hilton Hotel entitled, “A National Conversation on
Restorative Justice”. Attendees included members
of the Judiciary, Prisons administration and certain
Government ministries.
In October 2003, CCSJ launched a 40-week
developmental programme for inmates at Golden
Grove prison - The Walk Tall Programme. It is a twophase programme, which envisions returning to society
productive, law-abiding citizens who are willing to
serve family, community and country. Phase 1 runs
for 40 weeks prior to an inmate’s release. Phase 2
offers to support those inmates who leave prison and
have nowhere to go. Through its fundraising efforts,
CCSJ purchased about eight acres of land in San
Raphael and a facility – the APRC – opened its doors
to three former inmates in mid-2011. A formal launch
of the facility is being planned.
Strategies used on the Walk Tall programme and at
the APRC are: mentoring, counselling, mediation,
apprenticeship, skills training, and job placements.
Each individual is provided with opportunities for
spiritual, social and intellectual transformation. The
Programme, which enjoys the full support of the
Prisons authorities, aims to help reduce recidivism,
which stands at about 60% in T&T. TTRF/APRC
was incorporated in 2005.
At the time of writing, plans were in train to pass
responsibility for the facility to the Society of St
Vincent de Paul, as the SVP is better placed through
its Chapter in the San Raphael area, to support this
initiative.
CCSJ will continue to support TTRF/APRC,
particularly as CCSJ’s Vice-Chair is the Hon Secretary
of the SVP. 1. Identify performance indicators to inform a
system of monitoring and evaluation of all the
proposed strategies under this Pastoral Priority;
2. Conduct an analysis of factors which have
contributed to the decline of values in society;
a. Produce a baseline study; and
b. Determine what programmes have worked
in society. Determine what more can be done
in terms of programmes to address social
problems.
Information has been gathered from local, regional
and international sources to assist with the baseline
study as to which factors have contributed to the
decline of values in T&T’s society. Prof Arjoon
arranged for some of his undergraduate students at
UWI and students in the Masters pogramme at UWI
to focus on this issue as part of their research. Their
research papers have been analysed and summarised
and have informed the production of a report which
will be presented to the Committee shortly by Prof
Arjoon.
2001 - 2011
The content of the report will assist CCSJ as it seeks
to implement Pastoral Priority 3, in 2012/2013.
9. CCSJ’s Participation in Regional and International
Events: CCSJ’s participation in such events allows
the Commission to keep abreast of developments thus
54
enhancing the knowledge base of the Commission,
share expertise by making valuable contributions to
the topics under discussion, network with others and
gather material/data that will inform CCSJ’s work.
a. CCSJ’s Chair participated in four Conferences at
the Vatican - organised by the Pontifical Council
for Justice and Peace (PCJC):
i. 27 – 30 October 2004: First World Congress
of Ecclesial Organisations Working for
Justice and Peace. The congress coincided
with the publication of a Compendium of the
Social Doctrine of the Church.
ii. 28 – 29 October 2005: Women, Development
and Peace.
iii. 20 – 21 March 2009: 1st International
Conference on the theme: ‘Life, Family,
Development: the role of women in the
promotion of human rights. (Organised by
PCJC, with the World Women’s Alliance
for Life and Family and the World Union of
Catholic Women’s Organisations.
iv. 16 – 18 May 2011: Justice and Globalisation:
From Mater et Magistra to Caritas in Veritate
- to mark the 50th Anniversary of Mater et
Magistra.
b. CCSJ’s Chair represented the Holy See at the 16th
Meeting of the UNAIDS Coordinating Board in
Montego Bay, Jamaica, 14 – 15 December 2004.
c. AEC Youth Leaders Training Workshop on the
Social Teachings of the Church: At Archbishop
Robert Rivas’ request, CCSJ’s Chair attended the
above workshop as a facilitator, focusing on key
social justice principles. The workshop was held
in St Lucia from 20 – 25 July 2010 on the theme:
“Empowering Youth Leaders to build a culture
of Solidarity and Justice”. The participants from
across the region also had an opportunity to
develop their awareness of the See, Judge, Act
process (Cardinal Joseph Cardijn’s method).
d. Training Programme in Guyana on VIRTUS:
Protecting God’s Children: From 4 – 6 October
2010 CCSJ’s Chair attended this training
programme and is now a facilitator on the
Training Programme that has been established in
the Archdiocese.
e. CCSJ’s Chair attended an AEC Bishops
Conference Trafficking in Persons, A Missionary
Challenge, from 15 – 16 November 2010, in
Paramaribo, Suriname. (See CCSJ’s website
for a report of the proceedings.)
f. HIV/AIDS: Following CCSJ Chair’s participation
as a panellist during the Regional consultation in
T&T in March 2011 on “Universal Access to HIV
Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support”(see
CCSJ’s website), she accepted an invitation to
attend a two-day Regional consultation in the
Dominican Republic in June on the theme:
“Putting Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention
into action in the Caribbean region.”
Combating HIV/AIDS in T&T remains a priority.
On 6 June 2011, Minister in the Office of the
Prime Minister Rodger Samuel stated that from
statistics available as at March 2011 – based on
cases tested only by public institutions, there are
at least four new cases of HIV infections daily
and at present, over 25,000 persons are living
with AIDS.
Regionally, he said over, 260,000 persons are
living with HIV/AIDS. Minister Samuel also said
that only 6,000 persons with AIDS access antiretroviral drugs although this form of treatment is
readily available.
10. Further Communication Strategies Employed by
CCSJ:
ü Radio and TV appearances;
ü Lobbying/liaising with government; participating
in seminars regarding issues such as abortion, the
death penalty, human rights, “Compact Partnership”
planning for national budget;
ü Monthly Ask Why TV Programme on Trinity
Communications Network (TCN) focusing on social
justice issues. Videotapes of these programmes are
used as an educational tool. TCN continues to draw on
CCSJ’s expertise by inviting members to participate
in events such as its Annual Fundraising Telethon and
on special programmes focusing on topical issues
such as Flood Relief and Refugees;
ü Media Releases: CCSJ seeks to speak out fearlessly
on social justice issues. Archbishop Gilbert approves
all media releases before they are circulated. CCSJ’s
media releases often lead to requests to appear on TV,
radio and/or to interviews by journalists for articles
in the print media. It is worth reading a joint media
statement made in 2003 by Archbishop Gilbert and
CCSJ entitled: Mobilising the entire community to
reduce crime. In light of the recent State of Emergency,
this statement is still relevant today.
55
ü CCSJ’s Website allows the Commission to raise
awareness of the Church’s social doctrine. We record
our thanks to Raymond Syms, our Webmaster, who
continues to give yeoman service by maintaining the
website. CCSJ also uses this medium to encourage
readers to give generously to worthy causes in times
of war, conflict or natural disasters.
ü Catholic News: CCSJ has a weekly column in the
Catholic News. Generally, our articles focus on social
justice issues and seek to incorporate aspects of
the readings of the day as a form of reflection. This
medium also allows CCSJ to address topical issues.
electronic media or in person. It is important that
CCSJ members be available to meet with/ speak
to people to give advice and/ or support, to act as
advocates, or to empower individuals/ groups to take
action. Our availability is essential if we are to be
servant-leaders.
ü Collaborating with other partners within and
outside Church circles:
CCSJ also serialised the Compendium of Social
Doctrine of the Church - to help Catholics relate
the teachings of the Church to real life situations.
All articles are available on CCSJ’s website.
CCSJ sees communication/collaboration with others
as being of critical importance e.g. to optimise
opportunities to promote the social teachings of the
Church and to transform unjust structures, policies
and practices.
•
In June and July 2004 CCSJ organised three
Breakfast meetings with key stakeholders in T&T
from the business community, the IRO, leaders
of the financial community, the Judiciary, the
Administration of Police, Prisons, Defence Force,
Coast Guard, Probation Service, Welfare Service,
the Universities etc. with His Grace to foster a
culture of collaboration to address the social ills
of our society - including crime - and sharing
strategies for action. (See our annual reports on
our website for further information.)
•
CCSJ also participated in the Civil Society Forum
at both the 5th Summit of the Americas (17 – 19
April 2009) and the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting (27 – 29 November 2009).
ü Resource Production/Distribution:
•
•
•
•
Parish Link Newsletter: CCSJ produces three
newsletters per year. These are widely circulated
in the Archdiocese. This is a useful communication
tool that not only raises the faithful’s awareness
of social justice issues, but also facilitates
networking and sharing good practice across the
Archdiocese. Take-a-Bite Series: Five DVDs focusing on
social justice themes have been sent to all parishes.
They focus on: Overview of Social Justice
– Msgr Jason Gordon, Human Life and Dignity
– Sr Diane Jagdeo, Stewards of God’s Creation
– Dr John Agard, Rights and Responsibilities –
Leela Ramdeen, Global Solidarity – Fr Malcolm
Rodrigues.
Other material produced over the years include:
bumper stickers, book marks, leaflets on social
justice themes, calendars with Justice themes,
supplements for Catholic News with prayers and
reflections for National Day of Prayer in February
2008
Distribution of material to educate others e.g.
Pope Benedict XVI's Encyclical, Charity in Truth
and his New Year Peace Messages were sent to all
parishes and to His Excellency, President George
Maxwell Richards; the Hon. Prime Minister and
Leader of the Opposition. Also, CCSJ circulated a
Position Paper entitled “A Reflection by CCSJ on
the General Elections, 2007”. A further reflection,
based on this Paper, was issued in the lead up to
the 2010 elections.
ü Personal contact: Personal contact is developed/ maintained with
individuals/ groups where necessary - by telephone,
56
2001 - 2011
ü Training programmes:
Training has been an important part of the work of
the Commission. Since 2003, CCSJ has organised
various training sessions at parish and Archdiocesan
levels for the faithful at large as well as for specific
groups such as teachers and deacons. Training
sessions include:
• A series of seminars in May and October 2010 on
why the world needs Christian morals, values and
virtues. TCN taped the seminars for use as part of
CCSJ's training programmes in parishes;
• A restorative justice Seminar in 2008;
• Workshops on Pope Benedict XVI's
Encyclicals; and
three
• Training sessions in two Vicariates (2011) on
Social Justice Principles.
ü Social Justice online course:
CCSJ has partnered with CREDI and the University
of Dayton, USA, to run this course, which offers adult
Religious Education and Faith Formation via the
Internet. Some 11 persons completed the first course
from 12 July 2009 to December 2010. Currently five
persons in T&T are pursuing the second course.
CCSJ plans to draw on the expertise of these
individuals to promote social justice in their parishes
and to prepare material for use in parishes - focusing on
the various social justice themes such as: the sanctity
of human life and human dignity; the common good,
family and community; option for the poor - poverty
and social exclusion; rights and responsibilities; the
role of government and subsidiarity; economic justice;
stewardship of God’s creation; promotion of peace
and disarmament; participation; global solidarity and
integral human development.
Conclusion
CCSJ and the Archdiocese continue to face many
challenges as we seek to read the signs of the times and to
respond in a timely manner in a way that reflects Gospel
values. Of all CCSJ’s achievements one stands out, the
fact that very often some members of the secular media
contact CCSJ for comments in the print media on various
social justice issues or invite members of CCSJ to present a
Catholic perspective on certain issues on TV or radio. This
is one way of responding to His Grace’s encouragement
that the Church should be alive and present in our nation
and in the world.
Appendix 1 lists those who have contributed to CCSJ’s
work over the years. We thank them most sincerely for
their dedication and commitment to build a more just
society. We will continue to seek to transform society and
the world and to build the civilisation of love by being
the salt and light in the world. While there is much that
remains to be done, it is important to celebrate small steps.
There is enormous goodwill and talent in our Archdiocese
and in T&T. We need to tap into this so that we can move
forward in unison.
We keep at the forefront of our minds always our mandate
in Luke 4: 17-21: “The spirit of the Lord has been given
to me, for he has anointed me. He has sent me to bring
the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives
and to the blind new sight, to set the downtrodden free, to
proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.”
O’Flaherty*, Leela Ramdeen* and Eldon Warner*
(*members since 2003)
Current volunteers: Anna Ackbarali, Maria Diaz-James,
Josephine-Ann Lodge, Joanne Miller.
Webmaster: Raymond Syms
Previous members of CCSJ: Anthony Hess Alexander,
Taresa Best, Dennis Bryan, Verna Charles, Deborah
de Rosia, Andre des Vignes, Fr. Matthew D’Hereaux,
Anthony Gafoor, Her Worship Mrs. Joan Gill, Msgr Jason
Gordon, Paula-Marie Granado, Sr Arlene Greenidge, Indal
Harracksingh, Adanna James, Michael Jattan, Fr Michael
Moses, James Potter, Fr Malcolm Rodrigues SJ, Kimberly
Smith, Mikkel Trestrail, Mario Young.
Previous Parish Link Coordinators: Maureen Arneaud,
Bernadette Gopaul-Ramkhalawan Robert Persaud, Anna
Ackbarali, Richard Smith.
Current Parish Link Coordinator: Sr Christine Walcott
OP
Previous employees: Research Officer: Taresa Best;
Project Manager: Josephine Anne Lodge; Administrative
Assistants: Wilma Coryat, Kimberly Smith, Rita Potts,
Marjorie Newallo.
Current Administrative Assistants: Lorna Chee-Wah
and Theresa Dukhie.
Over the years there have also been about 40 Standing
Committee members and 20 Resource Persons supporting
CCSJ’s work.
Leela Ramdeen
Chair, CCSJ
http://rcsocialjusticett.org
May the Holy Spirit inspire us with grace and wisdom so
that we will stay focused to do the will of God.
APPENDIX I
List of CCSJ members since 2003:
Current members: Clive Belgrave*, Nadine Bushell,
Ken Cipriani, Annette des Iles, Mike James, Sr Roberta
57
2001 - 2011
CATHOLIC MEDIA
SERVICES (Camsel)
A New Beginning in Communications
INTRODUCTION
Catholic Media Services Ltd (Camsel) began operations in
2008, a fruit of the Archdiocesan Synod 2003 – 2009. Over
the past three years, Camsel has managed to promote the
work of the Archdiocese more effectively and to enhance
the scope and quality of Catholic communications, despite
limitations of staff and funding.
Archbishop Edward Gilbert had seen the importance of
communications for the development of the Archdiocese
even before the establishment of this new organisation.
In 2003, he instituted the Archdiocesan Communications
Commission (ACC), appointed Fr Cuthbert Alexander as
Head and raised him to the standing of a monsignor to
give Catholic communications particular prominence in
the Archdiocese.
Catholic communications, therefore, was no longer to
be seen merely as one of the worthwhile initiatives of
the Archdiocese for people who had a flair for media
work. Communications was to be adopted as a vital tool
in the shaping of the Archdiocese. At the end of 2003,
the Archbishop agreed to Msgr Alexander furthering his
studies in communications at Fordham University, New
York.
In May 2008, at the celebration of World Communications
Day, which coincided with the 116th anniversary of
Catholic News, Camsel officially came into existence.
Camsel was to become the umbrella body bringing
together all media in a cohesive manner to give greater
effect to the messages the Church wants its members and
the wider society to hear.
58
For several years Catholic Communications Studio (CCS)
had offered a space for video and audio taping, and an
electronic library for the use of parishes, the Catholic
faithful and the public in general. CCS required, however,
a generous outlay of funding from the Archdiocese to
sustain it. At the time Catholic News (Printing Services
Ltd.) was the only arm of communication that was
economically successful, which is still the case today.
In 2009 as part of the restructuring process, the Archdiocese
took the bold decision to close CCS, “outsource”
electronic work to Trinity Communications Network
(TCN) and lease serviceable equipment to TCN. Catholic
News became the main pillar of the new company. New
departments were created and additional staff hired. (See
flow chart in Appendix.)
Vision and Mission
Camsel’s raison d’etre is to communicate the mission
of the Church to the Archdiocese, which it seeks to do
through the Catholic News, digital technology, audio and
visual programmes, the development of parish media
teams, the strengthening of relationships with the secular
media and marketing and promoting Camsel among
internal and external stakeholders.
Camsel has kept close to the spirit of the Mission
Statement of the Archdiocese and the Synod mandates,
as reflected in its Vision, Mission and in the Key Areas of
Responsibility that it has identified.
Vision Statement
Mission Statement
To be a leader in Caribbean Catholic Communications,
streaming life and Faith to revitalise the People of God
and regenerate the moral and spiritual values of the
society.
Camsel, the communications arm of the Archdiocese of
Port of Spain, is committed to promoting a ‘civilisation
of love’ in Trinidad and Tobago, in support of the
Mission and Pastoral Priorities of the local Church,
and to encouraging this work of evangelisation in the
Caribbean, in collaboration with brothers and sisters in
the region.
Key Areas of Responsibility
(I)
TOOLS OF COMMUNICATION
(II)
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
(III)
MEDIA RELATIONS AND
MARKETING
(IV)
FUND-RAISING
Establish and maintain an influential Catholic presence in
Trinidad and Tobago through the use of traditional media –
print, radio and television – and the new digital technology to
promote the mission of the Archdiocese through:
• The New Evangelisation;
• Revitalisation of Catholic Culture and Identity; and
• Regeneration of the Moral and Spiritual Values of our
Society.
Train and equip persons within and outside of the parish
environment in the theories and skills of communication to
contribute to the task of building a ‘civilisation of love ’, which
entails reconciliation with God, neighbour, creation and self.
Inspire and encourage media practitioners and all stakeholders
to contribute to the regeneration of the moral and spiritual
values of our society to renew the life of the nation.
Stimulate and maintain interest in the work of Camsel and
create opportunities for the Church’s stakeholders and the
public in general to contribute financially to the company’s
work, so it can be better placed to achieve its stated goals.
59
Catholic News
On 6 May 2012, Catholic News will celebrate its 120th
anniversary. In its long history, there are only two
occasions when the weekly did not appear – because
of circumstances way beyond its control. The first was
when the paper’s printers trashed, by accident, the sheets
prepared for printing; the other was in 1990, at the height
of this country’s attempted coup.
In the main, churchgoers are the ones who buy the paper.
Paper sales are tied to weekend Mass attendance. Many
people buy the Catholic News to follow the Mass readings
– not the first objective of Camsel, but it is not a role
that can be denied. In addition to Archdiocesan, parish,
Caribbean and Catholic world news, the paper publishes a
variety of supplements targeted to particular groups within
the Church, including women (Ruth), youth (Vision), men
(Speak), the deaf (Ephphatha).
Above all, the paper is a major teaching tool of the
Archdiocese and the Archbishop, in particular. Throughout
his tenure, Catholic News has published Archbishop
Gilbert’s weekly column, which he uses to reflect on
spiritual and liturgical matters and, importantly to give
direction and help sustain the work of the Synod.
Catholic News today prints, on average 18,000 copies
weekly. Over the years it has taken various steps to remain
current and keep its image fresh. Its most recent makeover
was in 2009. It now sells at various supermarkets and
pharmacies. On the shelves of these businesses, it remains
in the public view as an ever-present instrument of
evangelisation. The paper’s online edition receives over
1,000 hits per week.
New Media
The New Media team recognises that the Internet, and in
particular, social networking, is a phenomenon which has
taken the world by storm and if the Church is to remain
relevant, its communication arm needs to create and
sustain an online presence which would be appealing to
users from all walks of life.
In his 2009 World Communications Day message, Pope
Benedict XVI spoke of the “responsibility” of the young
Church to evangelise cyberspace, the “digital continent”.
“Be sure,” he says, “to announce the Gospel to your
contemporaries with enthusiasm”. The ever-developing
tools of the new media – email and the Internet – and “new,
new media”, the world of new media where consumers of
content can become producers, have become indispensable
in the Church’s mission.
60
2001 - 2011
It is for this reason that, in 2009, Camsel employed a
new media assistant, although on a part-time basis, to
broaden the work of what had been, until then, a oneman department. In 2010, the organisation hired a
social media coordinator to further strengthen the New
Media Department and also to coordinate the work of
vicariate links, established to support the work of Synod
implementation.
As such, the New Media team is moving forward to
augment the already existing set of online tools, including
the Archdiocese’s website and supporting websites for
commissions with a new set of tools, aimed at taking full
advantage of the onset of Social networking.
These tools come in the form of the Archdiocese’s
Facebook page, YouTube channel and a brand new social
networking platform called Ning. It is envisioned that
these various tools would form an intrinsic network for
the people of God to be able to interact with Church in a
whole new way.
This initiative seeks to enhance communication across
the Archdiocese by providing not only an avenue for
information to be transmitted from the offices of the Curia
to the parishes and communities (top down), but it also
gives these very communities an opportunity to share
stories, news, best practices, thoughts, opinions and so
on, from the ground up.
A five-phase plan has been developed for the social
networking initiative, comprising: Setting up of
Infrastructure, Testing (to discover any possible
shortcomings of the infrastructure), Marketing, Training &
Development and Ongoing Maintenance & Monitoring.
Parish Media Teams
In 2007, the ACC as forerunner of Camsel, conducted
three training sessions at three venues in the Archdiocese,
North, South and East, to establish parish media teams. At
the end of the programme, “Communicating for Success”,
over 60 persons received Certificates of Participation.
These teams are meant to facilitate an active link
between Camsel and parish communications, serving as
a conduit of information to and from the parishes. Camsel
recognises that the work of these teams has to be nurtured
and sustained. So in 2011, the organisation hosted another
media programme Communicate.Church, attended by
close to 70 persons over two days, at the Chaguanas
Parish Hall.
Camsel’s Projects 2008 - 2011
• Year for Priests (June 2009 to June 2010):
o Programme for mass (beginning and end of
year).
• Publication of Archbishop’s Pastoral Letters
o “Deepening the Spirit of Solidarity in the
Archdiocese of Port of Spain”;
§Organised and hosted conference on topic
of “solidarity” for parish groups, with input
from Catechetical Office.
o “Lifelines: Together Against Crime”
§Produced prayer cards.
• Synod booklet and DVD, “Synod Journey: The
Commissions’ Report 2003 –2008” – An update on
the work of various Archdiocesan offices/departments
established since 2003.
• Post-Synod
o “Called to Be Catholic” campaign:
§banners, posters, T-shirts;
§special Catholic News edition;
§publication of brochures, based on three
columns by Archbishop Gilbert, printed in
Catholic News, between 15 and 29 March
2009
• “Shepherd’s Corner”, produced at TCN – A call in/
live TV programme, 8 p.m. weekly, where Archbishop
Gilbert enlightens audience on various catechetical
and pastoral issues.
• “Faith Alive/Faith Insight”, produced at TCN – A 15minute reflection on the Sunday gospel, presented by
Archdiocesan groups and individuals every Sunday,
featuring events and activities of Catholic interest
based on cultural, social and liturgical themes.
• “At the Water’s Edge” – A 30-minute TV programme
showcasing Catholic practice in parishes and trends,
while seeking to influence the wider community.
• Lumen Media Awards – Camsel’s annual
awards designed to recognise and reward media
professionals, who demonstrate ability to use tools of
communications effectively, while maintaining high
ethical standards.
• Archbishop’s Appeal Fund:
o Publicity campaign
advertising agency.
in
conjunction
§Posters, banners, tokens.
§Promotional literature, e.g. brochures.
§Newspaper and radio ads.
with
o Commemorative bookmarks.
• Sunday Guardian Column – Weekly feature in
the Sunday Guardian on selected topics based on
liturgical year and written by various Archdiocesan
offices/ organisations
• Communications Conference – Communicate.Church:
For parishes and church departments, 9 and 16 July
2011 at Chaguanas Parish Hall. Topics included new
media, print, radio/TV, videography, photography and
building effective parish media teams.
• Biennial Archdiocesan Directory. First published
in 2010, this comprehensive overview of the
Archdiocese provides easy access to information
about administration and departments, clergy, pastoral
ministries, parishes, schools, etc.
• Caribbean School for Catholic Communications:
Members of staff have been included in the faculty
each August, assisting in such areas as Web design,
print and photography.
• Communications Plan & New Media Plan:
Strategically developed to guide the operations of the
organisation over the next three years and facilitate its
competitiveness.
• Parish Connect – A quarterly magazine, geared to
facilitate fuller communication among parishes and
greater awareness of what other parishes are doing.
• Children’s Colouring Competition: Promoted via
Catholic News to encourage involvement of children
in Archbishop’s Appeal Fund.
• Fund Raisers:
§Christmas Cards (depicting lovely photos of
Cathedral).
§Parang in the City.
• Other functions:
o Production of media releases/ articles.
o Media liaison e.g. media protocol for Archbishop
Harris’ ordination.
• World Communications Day celebrations:
o May/ June: Promotion of Pope’s annual
message.
61
Conclusion
It is, perhaps, a bit of a cliché to say that an organisation’s
greatest resource is its people. It remains, nevertheless,
true in the case of Camsel with a staff of 13, mandated to
promote the work of the Archbishop and the Archdiocese
of Port of Spain.
Over these years, 2008 to the present, the Archdiocese
has benefitted greatly from this dedicated team of men
and women. Each one has a burning desire to see the
advancement of the Archdiocese and to put their talent and
skill at the service of the local Church. Present staffing has
not always allowed Camsel the time, space and freedom to
do the creative things the management believes it must be
engaged in, but it has, to the best of its ability, attempted
to satisfy the demands of the Archdiocese.
In all dioceses, the work of communications is financed
substantially by the dioceses and by direct funding from
the faithful. In the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, the
Church, by the establishment of Camsel has sought to get
communications to pay for itself. This has posed a real
challenge since the company’s only real income earner is
Catholic News.
The scope and quality of work, which is expected of
the organisation requires a substantial outlay of funds
annually. To maintain the Church’s presence on television
and radio requires $323,000 from Camsel’s coffers
annually: outsourcing has come with its costs. The profits
of Catholic News have been proving insufficient to meet
all expenses. The challenge for economic sustainability
becomes even greater when, because of the many other
demands on the people in the pews, Camsel is unable to
seek direct donations from the faithful for its work.
Camsel continues to seek innovative ways to raise funds
and increase income, however. It knows it must. Without
62
2001 - 2011
financial resources it simply cannot accomplish what it
was created to do: The organisation will have no reason
for being.
Camsel has received much encouragement from
commissions and Church departments for whom it has
been a major vehicle for the dissemination of information
to the faithful and the public. It believes, though, that more
can be done in this regard and looks forward to deepening
this engagement in the coming years.
As it looks to the future, Camsel believes that the
Archdiocese must seize every possibility to get the Good
News of the kingdom out to the society. It continues to do
well by way of the print medium. The Church’s absence
in FM radio is a serious impediment, when one considers
the diversity of messages on the radio spectrum that have
become the regular diet of the great majority of members
of the public – many of messages not in keeping with
Gospel values.
Undoubtedly, the further advancement of the Church’s
mission and the work of Camsel, whether in the area of new
media or the more traditional medium of radio, will require
substantial human and financial resources. Management
and staff look to the future with hope, mindful of what has
been accomplished thus far, and remain grateful for the
support Archbishop Gilbert provided over the years.
Camsel came into existence as part of a restructuring
plan that the Archbishop set his heart on when he took up
office in 2001. We thank God for his vision. He leaves the
Archdiocese having set it on an essential course.
Msgr Cuthbert Alexander
Vicar for Communications
Appendix
Camsel Organisation Chart--2011
“Then he showed me the river of the
water of life, bright as crystal, flowing
from the throne of God and of the Lamb
through the middle of the street of the
city” (Revelation 22: 1, 2).
63
2001 - 2011
CHANCELLOR’S
DEPARTMENT
Taking Charge
The Chancellor’s Department was created on 5 January
2002 with the appointment of the first Archdiocesan
Chancellor. A number of functions formerly performed
by the Archdiocesan Financial Administrator were then
assigned to the Chancellor.
Archdiocesan Archives
The care of the archives of the Archdiocese is a major
duty of the Chancellor. When a Vice-Chancellor was
appointed in 2008, this responsibility of the Chancellor
was assigned to her.
The current archives have been maintained by the
Chancellor, who is Recording Secretary of the Council of
Vicars and Personnel Board, the Finance Council and the
Board of Camsel.
With the help of the Department, persons both local and
overseas, who require baptism certificates have been
facilitated in their search for these documents.
Relations with Government Offices
we have supported requests for extensions of visitors’ visas
for these persons. When non-nationals have applied for
student permits to do their religious formation in Trinidad,
we have supported their applications by a document
confirming their coverage under the Archbishop’s security
bond.
Office of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs
The Chancellor’s Office has applied for Marriage Officers’
Licences for Priests, Deacons and four Religious Sisters.
The Office has facilitated registration of an average 400
marriages annually at the Registrar General’s Office on
behalf of parish priests who have so desired. This included
correction of errors on marriage documents by priests or
their predecessors.
The Chancellor is delegated by the Archbishop to grant
dispensations from marriage impediments. She has
granted an average of 150 dispensations annually. As
delegate of the Archbishop, she has granted the nihil
obstat to couples from overseas who wished to marry in
Trinidad and Tobago. There has been an average of 10-15
applications annually.
Ministry of National Security
The Chancellor’s office has applied for Overseas
Missionaries’ Permits for non-national Priests, Religious
Sisters and lay members of Communities to do pastoral
ministry in Trinidad and Tobago over the period under
review, January 2002 to December 2011. When necessary,
64
Archdiocesan Statistics
The Chancellor’s Office has requested statistics re
sacraments and Catholic institutions from the parishes
and Catholic institutions in the Archdiocese and submitted
these annually to the Vatican Secretary of State.
Collaboration
Commissions
with
Archdiocesan
Liturgical Commission
The celebration of the Chrism Mass has been planned
annually in conjunction with the Chancellor’s Office,
which has facilitated the selection of parish representatives
for the Chrism Mass and circularised such arrangements
to Parish Priests.
In collaboration with the Liturgical Commission, the
Chancellor’s Office has checked and verified information
annually for publication of the Ordo.
Camsel
Similarly, the Office has collaborated with Camsel the
Archdiocesan’s communications department in checking
and verifying information for the Catholic Directory and
for the annual publication of the Trinidad and Tobago
Telephone Directory.
Other
Orientation Sessions
The Chancellor has organised orientation sessions for new
priests or deacons entering the Archdiocese. Presenters
at these sessions were the Vicar General, the Vicar for
Administration, the Judicial Vicar, a representative of
the Liturgical Commission, the Vice-Chancellor, the
Archdiocesan Finance Administrator and representatives
of the Human Resources Department.
AEC Approval Forms
The Chancellor has issued and received AEC Approval
Forms for non-national priests, deacons, religious and
lay persons who wished to do pastoral ministry in the
Archdiocese.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Office was established on
7 January 2008 with the appointment of Cherryl
Mohammed. Initially, it was responsible for giving legal
and canonical advice to the office of the Archbishop and
to other departments and parishes. The Vice-Chancellor
also acts as part of a College of the Canonists in certain
matters.
In 2009, the property portfolio was transferred to this
office. Property Maintenance was a part of the Finance
Department and was separated into two offices by
Archbishop Edward Gilbert in 2006 - legal and buildings.
Fr Kenneth Assing was assigned to the legal section and
Fr Martin Sirju to the latter. Msgr Esau Joseph took over
buildings in 2007.
On Fr Assing’s resignation in 2009, the legal property
portfolio was informally assigned to the Vice-Chancellor
and a structure was put in place to regularise Church
properties and cemeteries. In addition, a Property Manual
was compiled and came into force in January 2010.
The portfolio of the buildings and maintenance was
removed from Finance in the second half of 2010 and
Deacon Patrick Laurence appointed as its Head.
These departments, along with the Archdiocesan Building
Committee review the building and maintenance projects,
land issues, plans etc. and offer advice to parishes and
departments as required. The departments collaborate with
the Finance department as regards funding for projects.
Sr Anne Marie Rodriguez
Chancellor
65
2001 - 2011
HUMAN RESOURCES
DEPARTMENT
Support for the People of God
Existing situation prior to the
formation of the Human Resources
Department
The Human Resources department was formed in
February 2009.
Following is an outline of the situation that existed at that
time:
Traditionally, the person who handled the Human
Resources function for the Archdiocese also handled the
Chancellor’s role, Financial Administration, Property
and Legal matters and general administration of the
Archdiocese.
By 2009 a Vicar for Administration had been appointed
and there was a new Chancellor and a Property and Legal
department but Financial Administration and Human
Resources were handled under one department.
66
• There were no personnel files or employee records.
• There were very few employment contracts within
the Archdiocese, with no consistent format.
• There were very few Job Descriptions within the
Archdiocese, with no consistent format and there was
no Job Evaluation system.
• There was no salary structure.
• There were no defined roles, responsibilities or
documented Limits of Authority within the governance
area.
• There were very few formal documented
department structures and no record of the
individuals employed by the Archdiocese.
• There were no defined or documented human
resources policies.
By that time, the Synod was in the early stages of
implementation and the Archdiocese had grown in terms
of number of total employees, as well as the number of
governance departments and other departments and units.
Focus was being placed on determining Synod priorities
and meeting the very challenging objectives, which
required mobilising all those involved in the process. This
included the employees of the Archdiocese and necessitated
stronger and more cohesive and collaborative governance
support including the area of human resources.
• There was no enunciated employee Code of Conduct
or established orientation practice or procedure for
orientation of new employees.
As at February 2009, all areas of human resources
management required attention:
• There was no Performance Management system.
• There was a Group Health Plan, but no clear
documentation of the rules of the plan.
• There was no Retirement Plan for employees.
• There was no documentation of “leaves” or other
employee benefits entitlements.
The foregoing resulted in:
ü Inconsistency
in
the
application
of
benefits
programmes and salaries paid to employees doing
similar jobs;
ü Lack of clarity of individual roles, job expectations,
authorities and in some cases, reporting lines;
ü Reliance on individual interpretation of rules or
memory of practice or precedence in certain matters
e.g. Group Health Plan and treatment of retirees
- Ad hoc and inconsistent handling or mishandling
of Industrial Relations issues or other staff matters,
with resulting litigation or risk of litigation;
ü Lack of clarity and disagreements with employees
relative to their entitlements or other terms of
employment;
ü Uncertainty regarding decisions, which required
unavailable personal information or records;
ü Difficulty in addressing instances of sub-standard
performance or indiscipline;
ü Risk of non-compliance with relevant norms and
regulations; and
ü Difficulty in maintaining effective governance and in
efficiently achieving the goals and objectives of the
Archdiocese.
The situation was more critical, since there were an
increasing number of salaried employees as opposed to
volunteers, in an environment of changing work ethics
and greater awareness of employee rights.
On establishment of the Human Resources Department in
February 2009, Archbishop Gilbert made it clear he wanted
the human resources management of the Archdiocese to
be upgraded, as the present situation was untenable and
exposed the Archdiocese to varied risks. This view was
shared by most of the stakeholders.
Following is an excerpt from Archbishop Gilbert’s
foreword to the Human Resources Policy Manual issued
in July 2011:
“ … For many different reasons, the acceptance of
informality in administration, especially as it affects
personnel is no longer tenable. The growing number
of regulations by civil government, the Catholic
tradition on the principles of justice, the decisions
of the courts, the intrinsic rights of employees, all
call for clear policies to guide the relationship of
Archdiocesan administration with employees…”
Accomplishments of the Human
Resources Department from February
2009 to August 2011
The Human Resources Department began by determining
its mandate and its operating guidelines, recognising the
culture of the Church and that the approach employed
in pursuing the desired outcomes would be critical to
success.
The following details the progressive steps taken by the
Human Resources Department and the achievements to
date:
1. Determined the role, mission and objectives of
the Human Resources Department and its main
responsibilities and priorities;
2. Obtained sign-off from the Vicar for Administration
and shared the above with the other departments of
the governance area of the Chancery and also with
the Department Heads. Sought input at a Heads
of Department meeting relative to their needs and
priorities and developed an appropriate work-plan to
satisfy the needs expressed;
3. Determined the approach and appropriate procedures
in attempting to upgrade general human resources
management and existing practices within the
Archdiocese.
This included defining the procedures for human resources
policy:
ü Policy formulation
ü Inviting input from Department Heads and vicars
ü Obtaining sign-off
ü Issue of policies
ü Communication and education
ü Providing assistance and support to stakeholders in
implementation
ü Evaluation and review
This also included a procedure for keeping the
Archdiocese apprised of the progress of the Human
Resources Department:
67
4. Reviewed the Organisation Structure
Archdiocese and made recommendations;
of
the
5. Determined (in consultation with the relevant
Department Heads) and documented the roles,
responsibilities, Limits of Authority and points of
operational intersection of all governance departments
of the Chancery;
6. Documented a revised Organisational Chart for the
governance area of the Chancery and assisted with
subsequent changes to individual department’s
organisational structure;
18. Established a data base of prospective volunteers;
19. At the beginning of 2011 communicated with parishes
and departments of the Archdiocese to ensure that
salaries were paid at least at the level of the revised
minimum wage set by the Government;
20. Conducted external market research and recommended
a salary structure and salary ranges for the Archdiocese.
This was approved by the Finance Committee;
7. Developed and issued the Handbook for Priests;
21. Identified individual salaries that were below the
minimum of the approved salary ranges for clerical
and non-clerical positions and communicated with
the relevant parishes/departments to rectify;
8. Completed arrangements with MEDCORP for annual
medicals for Diocesan Priests;
22. Revised the Group Health Plan and obtained a Group
Health Handbook for distribution to employees;
9. Developed a generic job description form and shared
this with the other departments of the Chancery and
assisted them in the completion of job descriptions
for positions within their respective departments;
23. Analysed the record of Group Health Plan
membership and identified anomalies - ineligible
covered individuals and eligible employees who are
not covered. (These are currently being addressed);
10. Continues to provide assistance in completing
job descriptions for other positions within the
Archdiocese;
24. Began discussions relative to establishing a Retirement
Plan for the Archdiocese and arranged presentations
by various prospective providers. A decision will
be made shortly on the implementation of the most
appropriate plan;
11. Developed a Performance Management system and
presented it to the Vicar for Administration, the other
departments of the Chancery and CREDI and tested
the system on certain positions within the Chancery;
12. Developed generic employment contracts for various
types of employment;
13. Continues to obtain and review all existing employment
contracts and drafted contracts for employees without
contracts;
14. Documented and communicated definitions of the
various categories of workers within the Archdiocese
to ensure that contract terms and benefits entitlements
would be accurately applied;
15. With the assistance of parishes and departments,
obtained available personal and employment
information of employees and established a database
of all staff of the Archdiocese;
16. Develops personnel files for employees of the
Archdiocese;
17. Revised and finalised the existing draft Employee
Handbook and obtained sign-off. This handbook
includes a detailed summary of expected behaviours
of employees. The Handbook will be issued shortly;
68
2001 - 2011
25. Completed arrangements for the implementation
of an Employee Assistance Programme for the
Archdiocese. The programme has been approved by
the Finance Council. (The contract with the provider
should be executed shortly);
26. Documented the Organisational Structure of all
departments of the Archdiocese and invited input in
order to establish a baseline of the positions needed/
approved within the Archdiocese;
27. Developed a “Skills Bank” form to facilitate the
establishment of a skills bank for the benefit of
parishes and departments.
28. Developed a brochure on “Tips for Interviewing” to
assist individuals within the Archdiocese who are
involved in the recruitment process.
29. At the request of the Archbishop, documented actual or
suggested Limits of Authority for his consideration in
the areas listed below, for parishes and all departments
of the Archdiocese, in order to streamline the overall
governance of the Archdiocese:
ü Human Resources Authorities;
ü Financial Authorities;
ü Legal, Property and Canonical Authorities; and
ü Information Technology Authorities.
30. Issued the Human Resources Policy Manual with the
following initial policies:
ü Human Resources Philosophy and Principles;
ü Employment Policy;
ü Salary Policy;
ü Leave Policy (Initially issued in December
2010);
ü Addressing Employee Complaints;
ü Performance Management;
ü Addressing sub-standard Performance;
ü Group Health Insurance Plan;
ü Employee Assistance Programme; and
ü Progressive Discipline - Employee Conduct.
31. Completed drafts of the following policies:
ü Employee Orientation
ü Redundancy
ü Training Policy
ü Relief Pay
ü Employee Exit
It has been made clear, that in instituting and documenting
policies, it is not the intention to reduce benefits
already being enjoyed by existing employees. Any such
situation will be addressed individually and rationalised
over a period of time.
Communication/education sessions throughout the
Archdiocese on the policies already issued will begin
shortly.
During the short period of its existence, the Human
Resources Department has had to provide guidance
and support on several employee issues within the
Archdiocese, ranging from industrial relations where
litigation or other legal intervention was involved, to
disputes or misunderstandings relative to employee
benefits entitlement or other matters. While most matters
were amicably resolved, a few issues are ongoing. With
the work being done by the Department, it is expected
that the number of human resources issues will soon be
substantially reduced.
The Human Resources Department will continue with
policy development and implementation and other human
resources plans and interventions to meet the needs of the
Archdiocese and fulfill the Department’s objectives i.e.
“To provide the necessary service and support in
the Management of the Human Resources of the
Archdiocese, ensuring that all aspects of the Human
Resources function:
ü Are in compliance with established norms and
regulatory and canonical requirements;
ü Promote a highly competent and motivated
workforce;
ü Are consistent with the moral and spiritual
values of the Church; and
ü Support the aims and objectives of the
Archdiocese.”
Nestor Lambert
Chairman of Human Resources
69
2001 - 2011
ARCHDIOCESAN
PASTORAL COUNCIL
Voice of the Laity
Preamble
Although the idea of an Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
(APC) has been around for a while, it was not until
Archbishop Edward Gilbert took office that the
resuscitation and sustenance of the APC took place, due
to the stewardship of His Grace. This testimony was
gleaned from the inputs of Maldon Pantin and Vera Allen,
original Chairman and Secretary respectively of the APC
and the personal testimony of current Chairman Clarence
Mitchell.
maintained communication with his people. Vicariate
representatives took to the APC matters that parishes
reported at the vicariate level. Solutions and answers
returned via the same route.
The APC is actually a consultative/advisory body to
the Archbishop, through which he is able to implement
new ideas and policies. Having its own Constitution in
accordance with Canon Law, the term of the Council is
three years and a member can serve for a maximum of
three consecutive terms. This maximum three-year term
of office per person extends all the way down to the parish
representatives on the Vicariate Council.
Summary
On Saturday 4 October 2003, Archbishop Edward Gilbert
chaired the inaugural meeting of the APC as we know it
today. There were two representatives from each vicariate,
representatives of youth and one each representing
clergy and religious. By this time, His Grace had
already reorganised the Archdiocese to facilitate greater
participation of the laity in Archdiocesan administration.
Instead of the deanery system, the Archdiocese was
now divided into five vicariates with Tobago having its
own representation, although functioning as part of the
Northern Vicariate.
The Council instituted that day was to be a crucial link
in the communication system that would keep him fully
informed of happenings in the Archdiocese from the
grassroots up. In this way His Grace established and
70
For administrative purposes, His Grace also established
the same system of reporting and responsibility for
various Secretariats and Commissions - Social Justice,
Communications, Youth, Family Life, Catechesis, etc.
Using this method of communication/administration,
Archbishop Gilbert was able to conduct various
conversations at an Archdiocesan level. e.g. Solidarity,
Crime and Violence, Theology of the Body and the
now famous Youth Conversation. He was able to plan
and execute huge celebrations such as the Eucharistic
Congress, Year of the Priest and the Pauline Year. SYNOD
is another example of the success of this system.
Issues on which the entire Archdiocese was able to
participate through the APC include:
• Clustering of parishes re Masses and priestly
services;
• Pastoral care for the challenged - ramps, sign
language, proper PA systems etc.;
• Insurance coverage and proper remuneration for
those working in the Church;
• The Catholic Children on Fire for Christ
programme, which takes Catholic Religious
Education to Catholics attending Government
schools;
• The Archbishop's Appeal Fund - Restoration of
the Cathedral;
• Numerous youth-oriented issues; and
• Numerous Church property issues.
• CREDI - training and accreditation process;
• Appointment of Deacons;
• Annual day of Prayer and Fasting involving
schools and other institutions;
• Tenure of priests;
• Updated instructions relative to liturgical practices
and grounding, and Commissioning of liturgical
officers;
• Adult Catechesis (ALPHA, Catholicism 201) and
improvements in the catechetical system;
Members of the APC have come to appreciate and respect
the wisdom exercised by Archbishop Gilbert, but even
more his capacity for hard work, respect for all and
fairness in every situation.
May God continue his tremendous blessings upon this
worthy son as he continues his journey of service.
Clarence Mitchell
Chaiman APC
71
72
2001 - 2011

Sharing the Responsibility: Reports of Archdiocesan Departments

Transcription

Similar documents

25 January 2015 - St. Patrick Church Shieldsville

! Johnette!Benkovic`s!popular!Catholic!women`s!program,!FULL!OF

December 27, 2015 - St. Joseph Catholic Church Latin Mass Parish

2009 Pre-Gala Press Release - Catholic Charities of the

Presenter: Frank Mercadante Executive Director of Cultivation

MOVIE DAY

Jan 2015 - Magnificat Houses

St. Lawrence O`Toole Catholic Church

Welcome to JSerra Online Catholic High School!

HERE - Archdiocese of Indianapolis